- Jul 28, 2016
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I think Walsh would come back... he would be the one I'd target and if he doesn't then we just have to figure out how we're going to develop Cobbo properly.In terms of spine players, I am going to go against my better judgment here and say...I think Turpin-Paix can work IF NEED BE, however the 9 I'd be going for IS gettable. So I would not be throwing ridiculous money at any available or possibly available 9, unless that is a Grant, Korisau, Hunt or Mahoney. None of these however are going to be available any time soon as they have all been taken off the market and in Hunt's case, he doesn't want to play 9. I wouldn't mind throwing an offer Simpkin's way but really only if he wanted for a starting 9 chance and the Tigers let him and I don't think that will happen.
So here it is...I'd be going all in on Berrell and he is 100% gettable AND cheap and with him and Paix, I think we have a pretty decen 1-2 hooker punch. This gives us time to see whether Mozer is what we need and if he comes on within the next 1-2 seasons. Plus, I don't know if the Dolphins will be after him as Graham looks like he might just about be ready by '23.
I know Munster would improve our side on field, absolutely and instantly make us respectable BUT he won't come, it is a pipe dream. Sure ask the question but already know the answer. Basically, he isn't coming BUT I also think we can make do with Walters / Gamble until Mam is ready and hopefully, that might even been some time late this season. So I don't think 6 is a priority.
So, in my opinion, the spine player we most need to throw money at is a fullback and again, I just don't think Walsh will come back because I think Redcliffe will throw a million at him, they need a big fish and haven't got one. This is the reason I wanted to throw a lot of money at Hammer last year. Hynes would have been EVERYTHING but again, he was never coming.
But aside from Walsh, who else is there available that is gettable? Genuine question because I feel this is our biggest need.
CNK? I wouldn't mind him as a stop gap until someone else arises or some kid comes from the clouds.
Savage? He is the heir apparent at Canberra, we aren't getting him.
Staines? He just seems like a massive tool and is unproven at fullback, so we'd be back at square one.
Drinkwater? He's basically Tesi defensively, no thanks.
Field? I would definitely take a punt here, he is carving up in ESL but hey, so did Tomkins and look how poorly he did over here.
And again, none of these are guns with the exception MAYBE of CNK but he is starting to get on.
Now the left field one we all dream about is RTS but I just don't think he is going to give up his rugby dream before a world cup, I just don't think it is happening.
So who is left? Herbie but we might lose him and he isn't getting a shot at FB anyway.
Thoughts? Which fullbacks should we be targeting?
But for the sake I might do a deep dive on teams and possible fullbacks off contract by 2024 that may become available. I don't know them all though i.e. the Perham's of the world:
- CNK could be a solid option, but he's not off contract until 2024 anyway. I think raiders would release him early though. I feel like his form is fading somewhat at the moment, but maybe a move could revitalise him??
- Corey Allan is an interesting one to me... I wasn't keen when he wanted huge money coming off one good year on the back of the best backline in the comp, but he's currently languishing down in reserve grade for the dogs and they would be desperate to let him go. Off contract for 2024, but I reckon dogs would release him and pay a bit of his wage
- Not really for fullback, but interesting to see that Corey Thompson has a CO next year... he'd be one of those steady squad members that can do a role for us on a good deal.
- Hammer is off contract in 2024 so not completely out of reach
- Val isn't off contract anytime soon, but I bet cows would be happy to be rid of his contract... not sure I would want to go there though
- Drinkwater is someone I would look at, but doesn't sound like he wants to be a fullback
So looking at that Walsh would have to be the number 1 option... CNK could be a stopgap, if we figure out how to develop Cobbo without having him play in ISC (media and all that) and Allan could be an option as well without really looking like a roadblock.
I don't think Allan's defence is all that great either, but could be something to pose to Wolfie, 1910 and Big Pete