I think it’s a joint effort because Richo has said a few times that it’s his and the clubs job to get Benji the players he wants.
Then it seems to be for the chosen roster, they have 7 weeks at the start of the year to justify their selection.
Critically, the other part of the program has been to blood younger players and while we are not winning, we are seeing players like Sam, Pole, Galvin really starting to find their feet in first grade.
There’s going to be mistakes, but the idea is to minimise them.
Remember in the interview that Richo said that Benji was much more forgiving and positive with the young guys but more truthful ( ie critical) of the senior players.
Stef has gone, he wants to hold a trophy sooner rather than later. That was more important to him than committing to the struggle. Some players are like that.
But the chance to be a club legend has now slipped past him.
I’ve seen interviews with Tui, hes still amazed at the love and respect he gets from our club, members and fans. It’s eternal, better than a trophy.
He will never walk alone for a second of his days.
View attachment 14286