Yes, we do. Another reason Wines should be in the conversation.I just keep comparing to 2017... because it's two years on and we've finished in basically the same position.
I've left out players who either didn't or haven't played a game for us.
Departures: Watson, Goddard, Kelly, Stanton, Hocking, Colyer, Howlett, Bird, Leuenberger, Green, J Merrett
Arrivals: Smith, Stringer, Shiel, Saad, Guelfi, Z Clarke, Ham, Zerk-Thatcher, Jok
So we've certainly added to the list in some areas.
But you look at the list of departures and it would appear experience and leadership are an issue. Look at the names... Watson, Goddard, Kelly, Stanton, Hocking.
Now, I know some of those blokes were cooked on-field and in their last season, but leadership goes a lot further than that. It's not just on match-day but even when it is, it's not just kicks and handballs.. it's the organisation of players and everything else. It's consistent effort. It's calming the troops when the opposition get a run-on and getting them to focus on the basics and stop the momentum. It's doing the right thing every single time at training and cracking those who don't.
I know Lloyd has been very critical of our "leadership" group and he's possibly not far off the mark.
The guys who came in... I think Smith is a leader. Other than that, I'm really not sure. I think Stringer has shown signs but he's also not very vocal it would appear.
Who else is a leader on our list?
I've got no doubt about Heppell and Hooker.
Merrett? Shiel? Hurley? Daniher? Fantasia? I'm not convinced these guys are natural leaders. That's not really a criticism by the way, it's' just who they are I think. Can they have a huge influence on what their teammates do?
I'd look in hindsight and say it was a mistake to retire Goddard when he wanted to go on.
And then... do we need leadership from outside? Look at what Kelly did for us here, and what Hodge has done at the Lions.
Outside the box thinking: do we look to bring in a leader or two?