Hodkinson has to be targeted. The Dogs haven't held talks with him yet and it would be a great time to show some interest as he has been playing well since coming back into first grade. He is a great organiser, who times his runs well, and has a wonderful kicking game. Sam Williams is another half who is stuck behind Campese and McCrone at the Raiders. A good young half with lots of experience and who remains very composed under pressure. He knows when to take the line on and has an underrated running game, his short play is excellent and has a good solid kicking game.
In the forwards I would target Costigan, Plum, Tyrrell, and a prop like George Rose or Roy Asotasi. Neville Costigan would bring some mongrel and aggression and can tackle well. I think he could be a good mentor to our younger forwards as well. Tyrrell can play prop, lock or second-row. He has a great work rate, hits well, rips in and I think he would make a good lock, playing in tight like a third prop. He is getting better every year and game as well. Plum pulls of some big hits which is something we have lacked for years. Asotasi and Rose are experienced, reliable and always show up to play. They could be great mentors to the young forwards and ease pressure off Ava, Sue, and Buchanan.
I'd target Mitch Brown and Maurice Blair for the outside backs. Brown has been playing well for the dogs and can cover wing, centre and fullback effectively and Blair plays well for Melbourne when he is in first grade and I thought he went alright at Penrith. He can cover 5/8 too if needed.
