Catching your breath there, Leslie? Sounds like you typed your inner monologue as you walked up a large set of stairs

Put on a little timber since he stopped playing.

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Why the big paws

This from Powell’s press conference today:

DP: "We are losing quite a few players who have been here a number of years.

"Stef was one I didn't want to lose.

"He's a high-quality player who can play in a number of different positions.

"I can see him being our half-back next year and I want him to really grab hold of that role."

Does this confirm no Dufty? What are peoples thoughts?

It means Thewlis to fullback if there is no Dufty.

It means that Dufty will be playing fullback for Wire in 2023.

Very interesting. Seems as though the general board consensus that Stef would most likely drift off into a bench utility role was a bit off the mark. As for Dufty, it would now appear that if he comes to us, it will be as full-back. Not sure where Thewlis fits into any of this, although his new contract suggests that he is obviously a big part of our plans going forward.

My views are as follows:-

Ratchford will help ease Dean, into a regular standoff position in the 1st team hopefully.

Thewlis will play right wing for the duration of Dufty`s contract and then the fullback position will be his, when Dufty leaves.

Obviously, Thewlis will play fullback when Dufty is unavailable.

Sounds very feasible, Boss. The King/Wardle thing throws an element of doubt into next year's plans too, so we'll have to wait and see how that pans out.

I don’t think Dufty will happen. There’s usually more smoke from down under. Unless he’s just biding his time waiting for a better offer.

I am not on board with him coming to Wire, but I will be very surprised if he isn`t playing for us in 2023,

There’s an article on a RL site down under about salaries.
Seems the NRL have published what each player earns, and Dufty is on the equivalent of £200k. To lure him over here we’d have to make it more worthwhile than £200k so maybe his demands are a bit more than what we’re prepared to pay, especially if he turns out to be another dud. He doesn’t seem desperate to come over and prove himself to get a better future gig down there, and I’d be surprised if Powell wants someone who isn’t 100% committed.

I like his speed and footwork, but like you I won’t be fussed if he doesn’t come to be our 1 or 6. Thewlis is coming on great, despite being in a poor team, and I’m hoping Powell can develop Dean.