They're good points you make, NZFan. The conundrum is that the Roosters were happy to lose Liu as they see Radley playing that role better than him (and more mobile in the 6-again game). For mine, I think Clark will end up doing it better than Liu but I could well be wrong about that. At the beginning of last season, I thought Sam Mac could be an ideal 13 for us after Liu but I didn't see that from him as much as I would have liked. I'm hoping Clark can become elite in that position.
I think you could be right about Emry Pere. He could be an answer for us, in terms of that extra middle we need in the 30. Alternatively, we'll have to buy someone else and there's not much left on the shelf.
I also agree with you on bringing one of those young hookers into a Dev spot. Currently there are two vacancies there. Does anyone know how Booth is going? He might be the answer to the hooker problem if he's ahead of schedule with his recovery. I think we need a backup to Verrills in our 30 and what if Boyd is too good at 7??? I wonder if we're looking at Tom Starling long term from 2024 and will scratch around next season until we have an answer on Booth or Starling. Any ideas?
The last spot in the 30 should go to an outside back as many have suggested. Kevin Naiqama looked good this morning and has a lot of experience. He could be a cheap depth player for a year or two. I don't think there are any goalkickers left on the market.
But again, if we're looking at one of: Flegler, Big Nelson, Kamikamica, McLean or Gilbert for 2024, I wonder how this influences our 30 for 2023. I can also see how Hiku and Rapana could help us in 2024 for a year or two, until De Groot and Ngumanu can step up. I'm a big fan of Douehi but letting Fuller go indicates Boyd is thought of as a pure half in future and a depth hooker is on the way.
Maybe I'm way off. It wouldn't be the first time. Sometimes the passion blurs the vision.