I find the argument that there is no player development a bit weird considering where Bula, Galvin, Sam Fainu, Faataape, Luke Lualili'i, Rueben Porter, Sione Fainu, Latu Fainu & Johannssen were last year compared to this year.
Someone ridiculed the argument of greater depth. I'd suggest if your options to replace Alaimalo were not Lobb or Luke Lualili'i & were a somewhat experienced, solid player that can slot in- the issue of depth may be understood. Or maybe Rueben Porter, who many quite comfortably call a 'state cup player'- if he was option number 4 or 5 for a backrow spot- he's a fine player. Right now, we lose a player & the scramble is to find the most physically capable of the kids to fill in.
Replacing Benji doesn't fix these problems. Richo has said himself it's a 2 year turn around. We need to weed out the bad deals, invest money in areas that are needed, and build a greater squad depth so that when a guy like Luke Lualili'i comes into 1st grade, it's not because we have no options, but because he's earned his shot.
This off season will be about identifying the young guys they want to persist with & those they want to move on, then strengthening those positions with more experience.
Everyone sooked about Utoikamanu & Bateman's performances this year, and then use losing them as evidence that Benji isn't up to the job. The only 2 players leaving that I'm upset about are Papali'i who has put in with little success & Junior Tupou, who might just be our best winger.
The club has it's star players. Bula, Galvin, Luia, Koroisau, Sam Fainu, Latu Fainu, Pole, Makasini, Large. It doesn't need to invest in superstars. In needs to surround them with anti-Lobb type players- 1st grade quality, smart, no dumb penalties, fit.
If you put a roster like that together & Benji struggles- then there is an argument.
Lastly- Sheens was still supposed to be here as HoF overlooking everything. He didn't want to leave Benji unattended. That was a decision by previous management.