Constant links and talks of us with outside backs for a while now; Josh Addo-Carr, Kayal Iro, Connor Tracey, Blake Wilson and we signed Morgan Harper. Backline depth is needed, it is beating a dead horse with that take, everyone knows it. Even Stevie Wonder can see that we need help in the backline. Though we know Fullback, Left Wing and Right Centre are occupied; Gutherson, Sivo and Penisini taking those spots. In line for the other spots are Simonsson, Russell, Dunster, Cini, Harper and Lumelume. Simonsson should be a sure thing though to some here not so much. Me though, i cannot pick where i sit on him.
So his versatility to play either Centre or Wing is crucial for us, as is his experience. His 2023 season was good overall, considering his abysmal 2022, which saw him get dropped late in the year, only to come back in a prelim and play really well. Then falling into a spot in the GF. So where does he sit now and in the future, well i think the club like him as has been reported he has been offered an extension, though he has yet to take it up. Reason i believe is two things; 1) He wants to see offers of course, including Rugby. 2) He wants to see if his future at the club will be at Centre or Wing, if it is the former i think he signs quick, if the latter he may wait things out. But with who is being linked, where do we see him? Going for like a Tracey or Iro you would think Simonsson would then be on the Wing. While JAC is leaning on Simonsson staying at Centre. Unless we sign an unknown Winger and they can compete with Simonsson and beat him eventually.
Now is he dictating how we purchase players? Well it is if we sign a Centre he moves to the Wing, and vice versa. Does he deserve to have his spot already guarenteed? Well let's see him have a good pre-season which he has not really had with us. He had a good 2023, great middle 2023, he deserves the chance to prove himself. Though we are also crazy to not at least sign a player that could take over if needed based on form. Though at Centre i feel we can do much better, while he has yet to have a great game on the Wing for us, he is an odd case for us and not sure where it works out.
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Bailey will bail making way for harpy
Before season though?
I think it's clear that we need a more skillful centre in that position. In a topline club, Simonson is a backup NRL centre/wing, and would be first called upon in the case of long term injury. I'm pretty sure that's where Parra see him also, and that means we should still be on the hunt for a better centre. Wing is a different beast these days with speed and size the requirement. I don't think we have that either to be honest. Not sure where that leaves Russell and Dunster. Russel is probably backup fullback but Dunster needs to find some magic this season or he is likely to be shown the door.
At this point in my opinion he is one of our starting centres, I think he is better than harper (not much but better). I prefer Russell on the wing over simmonson, although to date Russell hasn't been anything more than slightly above average he does get to the try line, something simmonson doesn't do on the wing.
Unless we recruit someone better he is our starting left centre.
Well by default yes, but i am referring to is are we searching for a Centre to replace him and have him on the wing? Or are we content with him being our future Centre regardless of who we bring in. If we sign Tracey for example then of course he is on the Wing. But sign JAC, then he is at Centre.
If we are going to get someone - it needs to be pretty quick - so they can do pre season with us!
I do not think it is overly big of a concern for players in some positions.
A half or Hooker, absolutely. Winger Centre? If they come in mid December they still have a week then break then January and February.
If you get say an JAC his experience would make him fit in. Though mid year is tricky, like Ofahengaue. But a few weeks of pre-season for some is fine, could be better but still fine.
I'm still hoping for Billy Smith from Roosters!
It’s a good question & blog, LB.
Just noticed a couple of players the bargain bin Eels recruitment team would be keen on...
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-transfer-...