While this generational talent v Luai debate is raging and there is so much chatter about potential v proven performance we really are overlooking the intent of what the development strategy appears to be.
What we have lacked as a team for a long time is leadership. The introduction of Api and Klemmer were the start of that change. Unfortunately Sheens was too fixated on turning he who can't be named into the talent he identifed but never got to coach. That was a mistake - he never had leadership ability. Sezer, on the other hand, adds control and direction in the halves where we need it most. Luai in 25 brings that plus leadership charisma not seen at this club in decades.
From a leadership perspective Nofa being called out and put on display for not meeting standards is a real plus for the new kids on the block. His attitude being shit means the sooner he is out the door the better. However, if he is dropped to Reggies and has to fight with the young guns for a spot it still shows that ego has no place in the future WT and is likely to push him to run away to SL ASAP. It is a win either way.
Let's look at our likely halves. Bud has shown that he can play FG. He has had a few injuries and was behind a superstar at the Dragons. Hook didn't see him as a 5/8 but I think Benji does. With Klemmer and Api pushing standards in the forwards, some control and direction in the halves from Sezer (plus off field leadership from what I have heard) should suit the off the cuff style of Bud (similar to Hughes/Munster and Reynolds/Mamm). They won't be word beaters in 24 but with real competition in the halves for the first time in forever, and Benji openly stating that if you work hard you will get a run, we are promoting standards over reputation. Sezer and Bud will be fighting for their positions week in week out - and if Latu is good enough he will push one of them out.
In 25 we should have JL at halfback to step things up a notch. Benji is a smart dude, and was used by Bennet as a mentor, so he knows just how valuable Sezer can be once Luai arrives. I'm not so sure he will be shown the door in 25 - won't be the FG half but I expect him to be around in some capacity. Player/mentor role potentially or if our young crop develop quickly maybe onto the coaching staff.
It is highly likely that one or more of the "generational talent" will not make it through injury, wine, women, or the grind of being a professional athlete. That is OK. If they all make it - that is better. If they are truly generational talents we will build the side around them.
What we lack in 24/25, on paper, is leadership in the outside backs. While our outside backs didn't fire in 23 it was beside the worst performing halves pairings in the NRL (LB/AD, LB/Wakeham, Wakeham/Toa etc). While I don't expect a miracle turn around in 24, I do believe we will start to see the true worth of the guys we have contracted. There is potential there in Lobb, Tupou, Alaimalo and Feledy. They will be pushing Charlie, Toa and Nado for a FG spot throughout the season. The sooner we offload Nofa and lure a fouth quality player, preferably one with some real leadership skills, the sooner we bolster our perceived weakness. Who knows; is this the breakout year for Tupou or Alaimalo in the centres? If not we will have a clear recruiting target for 25 (or will Galvin/Feledy be ready to step up)
I expect that we have 10/14th written all over us for 24 based on our recruiting and squad development. Get the leadership right though and we could develop quickly for a real crack at the top four in 25.
The talk about losing generational talent is premature. For the first time in a decade we have real development potential. Ride it for what it is worth and enjoy it.
