We have 30 players under contract for next season if Uto, Sezer & Tumeth's options are exercised. Here is a little depth chart I have put together just on our top 30 contracted for next season.
View attachment 11862
So to recruit, re-sign or promote any more players mean we have to release some.
I'm still solid with my post above that Benji will give all of our 'pathways' players under contract every chance to progress during their contracted years (i.e. no early releases unless player wants it).
I do think one spot will be opened up for next season (one of T'oa & Naden) for a tackle-busting OR X-factor outside back.
Then we will go hard come November 1 for 2026 for players in positions of need (once Benji has had all this season to see our roster holes in top 30 & pathways).
The type of players I think that the recruitment committee will have in their blackbook are:
Outside Backs: 1 of Jojo Fifita (2026), Ronaldo Mulitalo (2026), Jack Bostock (2026), Tim Lafai (if can gain a release for 2025), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (if can gain a release for 2025)
Back Row: 1 of Jaydn Sua (2025), Siua Wong (if can gain a release for 2025), Teig Wilton (2026), Connelly Lemeulu (2026)
Middle: 1 of Xavier Willison (2026), Trey Mooney (2025),
Middle for 2025 (in addition to above if Stef departs): 1 of Oregon Kaufusi or Toby Rudolf
Fifita & AKP provide x-factor & speed we don't have on a wing. Mulitalo is class, fast & powerful. Bostock is a future SOO player. Lafai is the best centre in Super League & has Samoan combo with Luai - would bring experience & power.
Sua has Richo/Benji & Samoan link. Wong may become surplus at Roosters now & has Fiji connection with Api, Turuva & Bula.
Willison would be perfect to replace Klemmer in '26.
Kaufusi has Samoan link too. Maybe Richo can work his magic with Rudolf.
Sharks players mentioned all have John Morris link too.