3-4 key players was what he said.
He's got to be in the know, very heavily involved over there & will be part of whatever development Utoikamanu gets.
So, ok. Let's assume it's 3 'key' players. That would be guys that play & have a decent role in the club, I'd assume.
Obvious answer off the bat is Addo-Carr. Skelton is close to taking that spot anyway, saving the money on Addo-Carr at this stage is smart &, just as importantly, Addo-Carr is a Tartak client.
Young prop Chris Patolo is off contract & would be likely to lose his spot once Utoikamanu comes in anyway. He's played around 30 1st grade games in his career & could hold some value.
Liam Knight is also off contract.
Hayze Perham played a lot of fullback last season for the Dogs but can play centre & 5/8 as well- only 25 years old. Has a wicked step on him if he gets to unleash it.
Last name I'd put up is Ryan Sutton. Could this be our English player? He hasn't fit into the Bulldogs style & was told he could leave last year but hurt his knee & neck at one point.
If we come away with Addo-Carr, Sutton & Liam Knight, maybe Hayze Perham, this bolsters depth at worst & I'd imagine we would get at least 2 1st grade squad players there.