IMO, without Smith in our squad, we aren’t Top 8.
He has allowed us to keep ticking along without Brown/Ponga/Sharpe/Gags/Best (allowing for re-shuffles).
Graham has also stepped up, his ability to come on at hooker has been needed a lot, especially when we needed Smith in the halves.
No offence to Gamble, but we have progressed and grown. He was a decent option for a while, but I’d much rather throw the keys to a young player for the odd week next year. If Smith or Sharpe goes down early - sure, maybe we look at bringing in somebody to cover. Brown will be back - but most don’t return to pre ACL level for 12 months. So I expect he will be chomping at the bit for 2028, but 2027 may be tentative.
Our depth with 1-2 injuries is pretty good, we have lots of players capable of doing jobs in other positions.
Like we deemed Sharpe at centre with Brown and Smith halves a better option than simply filling centre and leaving Smith on the bench.
I think Hooker for 2027 with Crossland, Graham and Hagan is pretty decent.
Curious to see what we do with Hunt. I think he’s deserving of a spot atm, unless Winter has a stellar off season. But he’s arguably our next best option at Fullback and Wing - so is he the Sharpe? Does he settle into Centre if we are full strength and plug gaps when there’s an injury? With Winter coming in?
Curious how Winter would go at FB or Wing?
Outside backs back be interesting area to watch in our squad development.
