Originally Posted by
indoallstars
None of our forwards I would call necessary "big" Tino has a bit of size, but we constantly loose the ruck and concede far too many metres. I truly think it is because we don't have enough big bodies, we have a pretty small pack and don't really have much experience compared to the top clubs. We constantly lose the battle in the middle whilst defending. I truly believe a big body prop or lock can help fix that, unfortunately not too many players of this mould are off contract. One of our first few games against the Dragons they just went through the middle of us, same with the recent Sharks game, same with the Dolphins game.
In terms of second row, I am a bit less concerned because we do have some young juniors who can back up for Fifita and Fermor.
Let's also not forget we are playing with small wingers and small fullbacks. Our centres aren't that big either.
I agree with a previous comment that we need more body shapes in the line eg a heavy larger front rower, preferably a taller bigger winger who can also carry out of the red zone.
But with salary cap pressures, I imagine we either get Ben Hunt and max out the cap, if we don't get him we have to work out what the short term solution is especially if we got $500-800k free in the cap (not sure exactly because we re-signed Tino and Fifita, but prior to that we were willing to offer Ben Hunt $900k a season).
Either way I still want to see more mongrel and more effort, actually trying to put a hit on an opposing forward, not just catching them let them take some post contact metres then gently put them on the ground. Hit in defense like Penrith do or all the top clubs, bash them. Luckily I have faith in Des and the siege mentality he has, think it could bring them to the next level.