Crusher does an excellent job, but parts of the recruitment game are overrated. Its not so much having the eye for talent (eg Peter O'Sullivan the former Storm and now Roosters recruitment manager getting wraps for discovering Greg Inglis, please. What a genius to try and sign the 14 year old kid who is twice as big and fast as everyone in his age group). The key is what you do with them once you get them. Its creating an environment where the players are able to constantly improve. A lot of our recruitment success stories aren't really good spots per say, they were about who we could afford and just giving guys an opportunity. Robbo's a perfect example of that. Guys like Ballin made first contact with the club just looking for an opportunity.
Sure there is an art it spotting some of the lesser knowns but its about what you're getting them into. Guys like Matai wouldn't have been half the player he was if he tried his luck at the Raiders or Eels, for example.
If Crusher has gone as well, its disappointing but foundations have been layed already and we just need to continue on with the good work rather than just trying to start from scratch again.