After round 18:
- In 2023, we were 3-12 with a for and against of -155.
- In 2024, we were 4-12 with a for and against of -151.
- In 2025, we are 6-10 with a for and against of -82.
I think it's pretty clear that we're better this year - by roughly a try a game according to the for and against. If we carry on exactly as we are we should finish with about nine wins, probably round about 13th on the ladder. I'd probably have taken that, after the last few years.
For me, the question is whether we're going to be better again next year - which should mean, at least, finals contention. We should have answers to the two biggest holes in the first grade side: centre (To'a is a walk-up start at this stage and either Makasini or May should have the other spot covered) and back row (KPP). The cap should be in decent enough shape that we can make some genuinely decent depth signings so things don't fall apart when we get a couple of injuries.
The biggest questions are Marshall's coaching (is he learning and improving or fundamentally not up to it) and production line of juniors. Penrith and Canberra manage to cope with a steady stream of departures because they always have someone else coming through - we need to be there, because this season has made clear that we are always going to be viewed as a place for the rich clubs to steal talent from.
- In 2023, we were 3-12 with a for and against of -155.
- In 2024, we were 4-12 with a for and against of -151.
- In 2025, we are 6-10 with a for and against of -82.
I think it's pretty clear that we're better this year - by roughly a try a game according to the for and against. If we carry on exactly as we are we should finish with about nine wins, probably round about 13th on the ladder. I'd probably have taken that, after the last few years.
For me, the question is whether we're going to be better again next year - which should mean, at least, finals contention. We should have answers to the two biggest holes in the first grade side: centre (To'a is a walk-up start at this stage and either Makasini or May should have the other spot covered) and back row (KPP). The cap should be in decent enough shape that we can make some genuinely decent depth signings so things don't fall apart when we get a couple of injuries.
The biggest questions are Marshall's coaching (is he learning and improving or fundamentally not up to it) and production line of juniors. Penrith and Canberra manage to cope with a steady stream of departures because they always have someone else coming through - we need to be there, because this season has made clear that we are always going to be viewed as a place for the rich clubs to steal talent from.
