In its simplest form, if you compare the team for 2025 c/w the team that started 2024, we have replaced Nicholson with Yates and Drinkwater with Hayes / Leyland. From what Sam Burgess has said, Russell has been brought in to give us 'options' in the second row.

The halfback situation is a bit 'wait and see' as it depends upon whether / how quickly Hayes can come back from a serious injury, but having Leyland there gives us a Plan B.

In the pack Fitzgibbon's fitness is clearly a concern. He only played in 17 out of 33 games last season (and failed to complete 2 of those), so we're going to need Holroyd et al.

Before the 2024 season started, we lost Kasiano. He's never been replaced, and we've missed not having a big interchange prop. Musgrove doesn't seem to punch his weight and whilst Yates, Philbin, Crowther and Holroyd all give 100%, our pack lacks a bit of size.

I'm not worried about our 3/4s. Lindop, Wrench and Taylor-Wray are there for backup and to put pressure on the incumbents.

In summary, I see us as being neither weaker, nor stronger, than at the start of 2024.

Just remembered Chris Satae is still off contract next year (i think), Would be happy with him as a Musgrove replacement. I'd still keep Vaughan as i think he still offers plenty to the team.

I thought the quota change was already in place for next year, i didn't realise it was still yet to be decided.
It would free up Yates spot for us at least. I don't think it will be Green lit though to be honest as it creates an unfair competition in that respect. As say (for example) 10 team only have 7 overseas players but 2 have 9-10 potential overseas it can create a bigger gulf.
The fact we're trying to create a more even playing field for a more competitive competition, this would go against this and create an even bigger imbalance.

Yes I would extend Vaughan. Still our best prop by a mile. 

Sorry if my posts are disjointed, but my posts and others posts keep disappearing and re-appearing, so it's all out of sync for me still.

Absolutely agree, if the right deal can be reached between player and club where it doesn't effect the rest of our recruitment/retainment on the cap. I feel that is where we are still being hurt by a few massive salaries within the squad that's what is holding us back with bringing player in.