Backs seem like they're mostly sorted, so onto the last few forwards. The market for 2nd rowers has dried up with Elliott now signed with the Dogs as well as reports that Harawira-Naera (Panthers) and Guerra (to Knights) are no longer available. Remaining options are:
- Luke Lewis
- Jai Arrow
- Alex Glenn
- Ryan Hoffman
- Bodene Thompson
I can't see Lewis, Arrow or Glenn leaving their current clubs. Hoffman or Thompson we could probably get off the Warriors as they look to refresh their pack, but it's a question of whether we would want them. Bodene was in great form last year and scored quite a few tries off Johnson short balls. He was also a defensive workhorse averaging over 38 tackles per game (1.8 missed) - a huge average for an edge defender (Gillett by comparison averaged 37.7 tackles with 2.9 missed). Bodene's defensive stats for this year aren't all that bad but having watched quite a few Warriors games some of his misses have been shockers. He's also been lazy and ineffective in attack. I think he can probably turn his form around outside of the Warriors environment and if they don't offer him a contract I think it'd be worth out while to throw him a lifeline. Not big money at all, just a chance.
In the prop department there are still a few decent looking options:
- Brenton Lawrence (will be 33 with a history of back problems - risky)
- Morgan Boyle
- Patrick Kaufusi (would be coming off a season ending injury - some risk)
- Joe Ofahengaue (linked with Warriors)
- Agnatius Paasi (possibly taken up and option to stay with GC)
- Albert Vete (was linked to the Warriors but no recent talk)
- Toafofoa Sipley (linked with Manly)
- Sam Tagataese
I think any of the above would be a decent addition and a genuine bench option (or starting lock in the case of Paasi). Paasi, Boyle or Kaufusi would be my preference.
Nice Post….
Lewis then Thompson (out of form yes but a quality player) as back rowers..either of Passi Boyle or Sipley (I like this kid) as Props...
