On Papali’i and Tapau, there are both well past their best, but undoubtedly they are power houses. Vaughan, Harrison, Yates, Currie are all superb, but more about big minutes and effort areas. Philbin can, and has recently, been a disruptor and can scatter the pigeons (first carry yesterday, in a difficult position!) but with no disrespect, Tapau and Papali’i could do 15 minutes of fire and fury and create some actual chaos, Papali’i in particular close to the line is a threat. 

But, as Or Thane says, it’s a short term plug. We need to find a space for Thomas when he returns from injury, and Green and Whitehead are in the way, we can’t block the path for a pay day. 


If you look at the “outs”, Johnson, Russell, Ratch and Crowther would be on the hit list, if we can. I’d add Tai and Powell to that personally. We need a right back row, and we need to look at that 14, a hooker/utility. If I was Leyland, I’d be playing for that 14 shirt. He can play fullback and half, but if he can develop to be a back up hooker, he would be a strong candidate for that role.

Good news, Nene is brilliant and i think he would add so much to us. Like you say though, depends if he even wants to come back here, as he has flittered between teams and going home and coming back etc.
Fingers crossed though

He’d be a significant upgrade on our current right centre.

Genuine strike centre, be a good addition. Just for the rest of the year or are they looking at a multi year deal?

Apparently Burgess is looking to sign Tui kamikamica, i wouldn't mind him here at all. Another big bulldozer prop like Vaughan, he'd be a much Welcomed forward for us. Him, Vaughan, Byrne, Harrison, Philbin etc makes us look MUCH better.
He might take a paycut to stay at Melbourne though as that looks like his only choice to stay in Oz.

I am always sceptical these days with overseas recruitment ,too many come with either lack of commitment or disciplinary baggage. Remember Roy Has it easy & i'm sure Ese Ese would soon change his name to Easy does it once he got his feet under the HJ table.
Chris Hill was still doing a good job last night.