READ MORE:<\/strong> Contract revelation as Sea Eagles thrash Roosters<\/a><\/p>\n "If you parachute Nathan Cleary into that team this year, they make the eight," Johns told Wide World of Sports.<\/p>\n "Their attack was terrible, their defence, on occasions, was awful – but moving forward, I think they've bought some really class players.<\/p>\n "They just need to work out who's their No.7. You can have the biggest and best boat in the world but (if) you haven't got a captain steering the ship, it's not a good boat.<\/p>\n Johns said Jake Averillo was better suited to a role further out in the backline, and he raised doubt over Kyle Flanagan.<\/p>\n Averillo will likely start the 2022 season in the No.7 jersey, with new recruit Matt Burton at five-eighth.<\/p>\n But the Newcastle legend is concerned the pair may be too similar.<\/p>\n "Centres or five-eighth is his spot," Johns said of Averillo.<\/p>\n "I don't think Burton is the halfback. Such a specialised position."<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Broncos betting future on these two rising stars<\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> 'Unfair' comparison to maligned ex-coach ripped<\/a><\/p>\n The Bulldogs will welcome in an avalanche of talent over this off-season, with Burton being joined by Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Dufty, Paul Vaughan, Brent Naden and Tevita Pangai junior.<\/p>\n "They've got the talent there, they've got a hard-working forward pack and get some real strike out wide next year," Johns said.<\/p>\n "They've just got to find that halfback."<\/p>\n For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by<\/strong><\/em> clicking here!<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n
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