Not much news about today so I'm going to do some speculating how I see the 'state-of-play' for our remaining four top 30 spots for next season.
This is based on no players being released from their contracts except Bud Sullivan.
POSITION 1 - a first team centre:
Taylan May
I think that one is fairly obvious!
POSITION 2 - a first team bench utility able to cover Api & provide value in other positions:
Zach Dochar-Clay
Won't be extended by the Roosters. Will be 31 next year. Good dummy half with plenty of experience who can also cover halves & lock. My other thought here was Sivila Havili but reports are he is likely to go to ESL.
POSITION 3 - a depth outside back particularly right centre:
Krystian Mapapalangi
I think the club will leave this until after the final round with priority #1 being Brent Naden re-signing on a much reduced contract and also the opportunity to watch how Mapapalangi finishes the season. If he gets a start in the NRL on Sunday or the next 2 rounds, good chance he could secure this spot.
could be a smart pickup
POSITION 4 - a powerful, experienced & 'low cost' depth prop:
Lazarus Vaalepu
This will be underwhelming to many but unless we release Royce Hunt, I cannot see us recruiting another $500K+ middle. We already have Terrell May, Fonua Pole, Royce Hunt then around the $400k mark are Alex Twal, Alex Seyfarth and hopefully soon Sione Fainu extended. With AD likely to transition to lock and the likes of Kit Laulilii, Taateo & Taupau-Moors not offering much experience, I feel we could do with another experienced, tough, determined & 'low cost' prop. Vaalepu is a beast (27 next year) who dominates most games with the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the QRL (plays 40-50 mins) and is on the periphery of the Storm extended bench most weeks. Did have a short stint in the NRL GF last year as NAS' replacement. Unlikely to be retained by the Storm is the word with youngsters to be promoted. He is strong defensively, good leg drive in contact & may be happy to come to another NRL team to play mainly NSW Cup at first but strive for NRL. If Terrell goes down injured, someone like Vaalepu could come in to play a strong man role.
Anyway that's my take (for now) lol