No you are right .... just clutching at straws!!! 🤣 🤣 

That said if we don't make it there are two key reasons for it in my view

Legacy Contracts from the Pascoe era

- Luke L, Kit L, Will Craig & then to a lesser extent Bateman and Jack Bird (who are likely still on our books)

Conflict of Interest Contracts

- Hope & Murray 

These guys were part of the Enrichd Group and they were being managed by Shane Richardson's son Brent as a result. The Enrichd Group went into administration earlier this year. Shane Richo clearly signed those players to help his son's business. Unfortunately these guys have shown themselves to be far short of the required standard.

With these 7 contracts wiped from our cap next year we will likely have more depth. On the positive side, at least most of our top liners are going to be here for the next few years. 

https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/haze-dunster/summary.html

This guy has been around seemingly forever. He looked like such a good player when he debuted but has had the best part of 4 years cancelled out through injury. Some may recall his knee was wrecked in a cannonball tackle in 2022 

He suffered an Achilles tear in August 2025 for the Eels in reserve grade but prior to that was averaging 155m per game at that level.

https://www.nswrl.com.au/players/nsw-cup/wentworthville-magpies/haze-dunster/

I vaguely recall that when he debuted in 2020 there was a story or two suggesting Benji was a distant cousin.

I suggest him because I don't see us getting any value out of Luke L for the rest of the season and clearly its still too early for Tino Tavana.

I couldn't believe the odds as well.

I'd argue the forward packs cancel each other out on paper but GC have 3 strike players in Brimson, Campbell and Kini which gives them the edge.

We've made some great signings at the top end of the roster but until we get those guys back our back ups will continue to be found out.

On the positive side - I think there is a good player in Tony Sukkar and the left side with him and Taylan might offer something.

Kini has problems every week under the high ball. He's good for at least one error.