I agree a cleanout won't be the answer. Look at this lineup if they all fit and in form.
1. Tom
2. Jorge
3. Walker
4. Suli
5. Garrick or Saab
6. Schuster
7. DCE
8. Paseka
9. Fainu
10. Taupau
11. Sirro
12. Olakuatu
13. Jake.
14. Foran
15. Aloiai
16. Keppie
17 Davey.
Not a bad side if fit and firing. Worthy of 5 -8 position.
Great side mate, would be much more competitive. Don't forget Lawton by then.
01. Tom Trbojevic (Obvious pick)
02. Jason Saab (would excel next to Walker at centre)
03. Dylan Walker (Back to his natural position)
04. Moses Suli (I mean, if he brought it, he'd kill it?)
05. Reuben Garrick (Has been better the past fortnight)
06. Kieran Foran (Hopefully getting faster each game)
07. Daly Cherry-Evans (stand deeper in attack, and more direct)
08. Jake Trbojevic (time to play a more focused role - great player)
09. Manase Fainu (we all know what potential he has)
10. Marty Taupau (Wish we had the throat slit player)
11. Andrew Davey (Fight, spirit, this guy we need)
12. Curtis Sironen (I love Siro, and know he can be damaging)
13. Josh Schuster (want this guy both sides of the field, Kosef style)
14. Karl Lawton (Was pretty explosive and direct / crisp when fit)
15. Taniela Paseka (Has been in beast mode for a year)
16. Sean Keppie (Is really picking it up, BIG time)
17. Haumole Olakau'atu (could be anything imo)
* EDIT: Forgot Josh Aloiai, who is great. He fits in there somewhere (holy ****, look at that depth !).
Would have punch, skill, mobility. I'm a complete numpty (and have no idea), but my main focus if I was Des Hasler, would be ruck speed (in attack AND defense), and I mean getting up and playing the ball in a lightning fashion.
Secondly, stand deeper in attack, and spread the ball, but be DIRECT. In defense, move up fast and hard like the Storm, Panthers and Chooks. No standing on the defensive line waiting for the opposition to get a full head of steam.
It's all about intensity and passion. Effort areas. That, and have FUN. We play best when our group is laughing and having fun, just saying. Know it's hard with all the doom and gloom (from me too). But that side, and those focus, and we are kicking arse imo.
My off season focus would by one centre, one winger (i.e. one blue chip player).