I’m not convinced though. I mean we were supposed to have recruited extremely well for the start of last season and again for this season.
These signings are better again, but will it change anything?
Agree but I do think next seasons signings have been younger and better than the usual WT bargain basement buys and players coming in for the last cheque before retirement call in seasons past. Yes, there is Bird but I'd put him in not quite in the last cheque lot. The other thing WT need is some experience to balance the youth coming in.
Theoretically with Klemmer, Bateman, Papallii. Tamou and Brooks we had that in this and previous seasons but that brings on the next CLUB weakness- we lack/lacked professional recruitment management and getting the right player with right attitude- all to often the rejects WT got in the bargain basement sales had the wrong attitude or were past it in the game. Now I reckon we have turned that corner Api, Laui, Turuva, Royce, Bird and Olam. We have taken a chance on medical fitness with Olam and Bird but Im assuming/hoping that is based on medical assessment of conditions being managed or remediated eg Olam and his knee surgery aand that we can have more on field time than off.
Coaching of course is the elephant in the room - getting the basics right- catching, passing, running, general defensive and offensive plays / actions and very good coaching support and medical and conditioning staff and assistant coaches. An on call psychologist to gee up the boys. An a professional coach with good use of bench, selection of best players and done who drops immediately badly performing players. Benji has many skills and merits but Im dont see these things as yet- mind you previous WT coaches were same criticisms- Sheens, Maguire etc.
We now have a professional headquarters with a CEO who knows his stuff not show ponies for Chairman and CEO. I hope we make good use of him.
WT and Richardson must get the coaching and support staff up to speed with the new NRL standards expectations for us to be able to compete. I do see improvements, I do see young up and comers, I do see the start fo a balance of youth and experience BUT I dont see a properly coached team- the basics are lacking, coaching support staff in defensive and offensive basics are lacking to non existant. If Benji wants to remain head coach for 2025 he has to be ruthless too and get rid of some of the mates if theyre not working as assistants (work with Richo and his input) and get in new assistants more in touch with needs. If he doesnt he wil be gone very soon and for god sakes properly use of bench selection and game rotation, selection of best players and drop immediately badly performing players.