Ralphie link said:
What every single one of those teams highlights is how desperate the lack of props is.
I predicted that the Bonkos would miss the top 8 in 2010 because of a lack of big forwards and that's exactly what happened. They tried to patch it up with Scott Tronc mid season, but it wasn't enough.
We may struggle against the bigger packs in 2011.
Here are a list of props I believe have the ability to play first grade at our Eagles:-
Brent Kite (Former SOO, and International prop) 190 cm, 110 k/g's (29)
Jason King (Current SOO, and former City / Country prop) 192 cm, 111 k/g's (29)
George Rose (Current Indigenous All Star) 186 cm, 115 k/g's (27)
James Cunningham (Current International) 197 cm, 102 k/g's (20)
Tim Robinson (Former International) 186 cm, 94 k/g's (24)
Matt Cross (Premiership winner) 193 cm, 110 k/g's (26)
Junior Palau (SCSE Premiership winner) 190 cm, 113 k/g's (23)
Vic Mauro (SCSE Premiership winner) 179 cm, 102 k/g's (23)
Birrigan Young (NYC team) 195 cm, 102 k/g's (20)
Then, we have Harrison, Galuvao, Williams, Watmough, Rodney, Stewart, Buhrer, Lussick, Bailey and co. who can all play backrow potentially.
Sorry mate, for mine, that is a great mix of size, youth, veterans & potential. We are ridiculously rich in the backrow.
With Brett Stewart, David Williams returning, and the availability of Hoppa, Whare, Oldfield (the latter three no certainty to even make the top team), we are doing well.
I'm a real advocate of building from within too be honest, and adding a sprinkle of blue-chip player talent. The 2010 Canberra Raiders, and Penrith Panthers are just seeing those fruits come to bare now I reckon.