While I think we dropped the ball on Humphrey, would have liked to have kept Lawton (but he had a history of injury when Cowboys came knocking so understand our hesitation), think Sam Fainu is one we will regret (but hints at other underlying issues swaying our decision) - I also have seen a lot to like. Resigning a number of players early e.g. Saab, Paseka rumoured. Talau has been terrific, Simpkins a specialist hooker and Brooks has been good, if not quite the heights we hoped. Brown has been an absolute revelation AND if he continues for a few more years arguably our best value for money buy ever!!
I believe we are also not only looking after our local juniors more but also casting the net far and wide in the juniors e.g. QLD. Hayley, Jacksons x 2, Patu left field signing from union, Mason Peut to name a few. I think it shows we can't match some of the bigger clubs $$'s so we are forced to be more creative and hopefully pick up a few diamonds in the rough.
A lot of it hinges on DCE (and I love him) and Turbo (regardless of how good Koula/Hoppa are Turbo at his best is the best player in the game). Re DCE, rarely does a player get better post early 30's (he has) but can he do it for 2 more years without decline? Re Turbo, hard to see him getting back to his Dally M level. A lot will pivot on the answer to these 2.