To a degree- yes. The Tigers WILL lose players.
Same way Penrith lose players. For every Galvin, there is a Sullivan or Latu Fainu looking for his opportunity. We will either move one on to acommodate, or lose the guy next in line to a better opportunity.
There will always be a need for some experienced players.
We have them, Utoikamanu regardless.
This is why Klemmer, Twal, Luai, Olam, Bateman, Doueihi etc hold a lot of value.
When thinking about Utoikamanu & his value- if he WASN'T there but say, Twal was- how much do you lose compared to gain? Obviously Stef is a more damaging runner, one out. But I'd argue Twal is a better defender. If the Utoikamanu money then gets spread between Galvin, Sam Fainu, da Silva etc in extending & securing them longer term...Makasini...is Twal that significant a downgrade?
I would like Utoikamanu to stay. BUT. If he leaves, it's a matter of making it count. We have a decent front row rotation without him. Does Royce Hunt on $500-600k improve that rotation? I'd rather extend 2-3 of these juniors we are banking on & keep the core of the future together longer.