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We need to all remember that it's quite likely that Billy retires this year, and Munster has long been flagged as moving back to fullback when he does. In that case - Austin would be a very good like for like replacement at 6 for Munster.
I think it more comes down to where we see Jahrome fitting in long term... maybe he is being groomed as a long term halfback to play beside a running 6?

We've got/had so many fullbacks in the system. I'm surprised we haven't taken one through the Cooper Cronk halfback development program. We could use a game manager type in the worst way.

steaming stormer wrote:We need to all remember that it's quite likely that Billy retires this year, and Munster has long been flagged as moving back to fullback when he does. In that case - Austin would be a very good like for like replacement at 6 for Munster.
I think it more comes down to where we see Jahrome fitting in long term... maybe he is being groomed as a long term halfback to play beside a running 6?

Personally...that's the role I'd like to see Hughes fill...a running 6 playing next to a game organizing/managing 7 (who also takes on the line regularly !! )

Hughes' ball playing skills, electric pace, evasion techniques would make him a brilliant 6 imho.

but hey...that's why I do what I do everyday (which isn't coaching an NRL team)....so I'm sure Craig has all the angles sussed out already...

I think Hughes plays both atQ Cup level

I would keep Hughes in the side over Austin. Watching them both this year Hughes has been effective at injecting himself into the game while both Austin and Sezer have had troubles putting their stamp on the game. After so many years of first grade that's something they should be able to do by now: although a portion of the blame for that has to sit with the coach.

Mattpoet wrote:I think Hughes plays both atQ Cup level

plus he's as tough as nail and harder than a cat's head...and any other strong man analogy you can think of ...

I would have Jahrome Hughes over Blake Austin for sure. Jahrome has a huge upside, and a level head.

Jahrome Hughes is a gun

nacho wrote:Calling it now - we end up signing a half prior to the cut off date. Old, young, from England, whatever as long as there’s an NRL background, I can see it happening.

Getting close...

5 days to cut off

nacho wrote:

nacho wrote:Calling it now - we end up signing a half prior to the cut off date. Old, young, from England, whatever as long as there’s an NRL background, I can see it happening.

Getting close...

Is it one of the English players who played in Denver?

Dave Donaghy has said we have opened preliminary talks with Smithy about extending.

17 players off contract this year

Sandor Earl
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
Sale Finau
Louis Geraghty
Harry Grant
Ryan Hoffman
Ryley Jacks
Cooper Johns
Tui Kamikamica
Kayleb Milne
Justin Olam
Junior Ratuvu
Billy Slater
Cameron Smith
Shem Tatupu
Lachlan Timms
Billy Walters

Fair to say that we can expect a fair amount of turnover.

Pretty sure Tatupu is gone already

Outside of the captain, is there anyone else on the list who we would even want to (or should) play first grade next season?

Fully understand some will be signed for depth/development etc.