Losing Charlie is no guarantee of a culture change. It only guarantees the loss of our best scoring source for the past four years. I would have preferred to change the culture and keep the talent, but that’s not happened and we just have to move on as best we can.

I am very confident. I am not saying we don't have issues but rather I am comparing this year to 2025.

Positives

1. We lost Curnow, but seriously, how much benefit was he the last 2 years.
2. SOS was a great competitor but was always getting injured and I don't think we will miss him.
3. It seems that there was a lot of unrest at the club associated with Curnow and SOS.
4. Pet hate is the constant bombing into the forward line. Seems to have been that way since the Madhouse. A smaller forward line commands the ball to be delivered in a different way making us more unpredictable.
5. We have been crippled with injury for 2 years. Surely things will be better this year.
6. Nick Newman, one of our most consistent and important players comes back into the team. He was badly missed last year.
7. From what I have seen, Jagga, Ainsworth, Haywood and Florent will increase the quality at the club.
8. Last year we were able to blood some youngsters and I think that will pay dividends. In particular Carroll and F. Young.
9. I am encouraged by the progress of Cowan and Evans.
10. Walsh and Cerra are fit.


Negatives

1. TDK is a bad loss not easily fixed this year.
2. CHB is as big a problem as it was last year.


Overall, I just think we have a better team than last year. A good run with injuries and some smarter coaching decisions will make an enormous difference.
I am hoping the Campo's, Dean and Ison all get their chance early in the season.

GO BLUES!