Reg,
Do you consider Cameron Bracewell and Vili Fainga'a to really be at that level?
Having actually played against Cameron in Gold Coast rugby a few years back (I believe we both played 8 - and he towelled me up mind you) I'd have to question whether he is really just a step off professionalism. I know he was in the Academy system years back and wonder if he really peaked as a player around 2006-2010. Probably spend the best part of the last 4 years cage fighting instead wouldn't have helped him in that regard.
My recollection also was that Vili Fainga'a was playing 3rds quite regularly at Uni 2 or 3 years ago. Whilst surely players improve, I'd have to say a guy around 20 who isn't a regular prems players may not have what's required to step up another level.
Hopefully I'm wrong and if so do you think they'd be looking for a 29 year old openside who thinks his best is still ahead of him?