Id be looking for a “large” half or mobile ball playing middle who is fit and can make a bunch of tackles while providing some service to the backline and leg speed for taking meters when they are there.
Then a good premier mobile prop who can play a decent length first stint without losing impact to pair with Jake.
I think Jake is an excellent first 20 prop before he and those around him are gassed and they start leaking penalties. He’s an excellent culture guy too. If needed he can come in for the final 10 or so and help close a game out (assuming he’s had a good rest).
Paseka is probably the big bodied bench prop that can make an impact, go for the crash play and maybe even get an offload. I’d have him come on for Jake.
Bullemore is the mobile bench middle to come on and add some spark after the initial periods.
Then a young up and comer or two who have shown decent qualities through the juniors but haven’t found a home in first grade. A lot of props get better around 26 years old. To cover injuries.
Then we see what Navale offers.
We need a decent defensive edge forward. Ben has improved a lot this season but he just isn’t reliable enough. We also have no depth. Guac is first class, we need to find a good defensive edge for the other side. It will help the teams defence tremendously not having to cover for missed tackles and poor reads from the edge back rower. Think of the warriors signing Capewell. Some young depth would be good too.
Can’t over pay for a good hooker. Good teams have a good hooker. With the rotation above this is the biggest priority. Bellamy gets it.
Don’t really need backs unless there’s a good set starting meter eating winger on the market.