2026 squad - still not good enough

Hello,

So after thinking about how you can structure a salary cap, I figured it was worth looking at our 2026 squad to see how it matches up (based the "how many players ideal" on the calculation in this thread: https://weststigersforum.com/threads/managing-the-salary-cap.36713/#post-2168078).

Long story short - as things stand - our 2026 squad is definetly an improvement on this year, but still too "bottom heavy". Have assumed Jayden Sullivan is moving on, and we are resigning Taylan May. The rest of the names I've taken from the NRL website. The ratings is based on how they rate compared to other players in their respective position. Room for debate on that front I appreciate.

4 players left by this calculation - ideally all four would be average NRL players or above, but that's probably a tall order.

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I’d put Terrell May in Elite, easily been our best player this season, and arguably been the best prop in the comp
 
The ins for 26 aren’t very inspiring. KPP is obviously the headliner, but he hasn’t really been setting the world on fire. I’ve read some claim that he’s a victim of the halves, but Lucas didn’t have that issue before his injury. Madden is meh, and the others at best are just potential.
 
Our forward pack is the problem. The solution needs to be a combination of external recruitment and development. Guys like Pole, Samuela, Sione, are getting to an age or experience level where they need to become more consistent first graders. May needs to maintain his level and we just can’t rely on a few blokes who have been mainstays for a while. Still think a Leniu type is a must.
 
I think you’ve gone a bit over board with the elite column.
Both captains are very good dependable players. Neither are elite.
Bula is our closest player to that level.
Yeah fair call. In my mind that category was top 5 in their respective positions. Would argue Api is, Luai should be. Bula is a brilliant player but there are a lot of great fullbacks.

All the categories are really just estimations to gauge where the full squad is so plenty of room for disagreement.
 
I’d put Terrell May in Elite, easily been our best player this season, and arguably been the best prop in the comp
Yep, he is right up there. Is he a top 5 (maybe ten for props as there are two on the field) prop though? On the cusp IMO.

Still have him one tier below a Payne Haas, JFH, Fonua Blke or Tapine though for instance.
 
We have around half of our top 30 who wouldn’t get a start at any other club. But it’s worth considering that Penrith have 5 of our rejects and still winning games?
Makes me wonder if our coaching is simply not good enough?
Our star recruit we wanted to turn into a halfback has been a failure considering his cap share. Why? It’s not totally his fault, he seems to be doing what he’s told.
 
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