This is how I believe we haven't missed Minikin. It's unfortunate for Minikin that he has been injured and not been able to turn out for us, but we don't know how that has affected how effective he will now be. I wish him well and look forward to him performing and deserving a shirt on the strength of his performances, as I would with any other member of our squad. Until then, I cannot miss something that I've never had.

That would be fine if the players who have steeped in hadn't have performed. Powell obviously rates Holmes, but I've been totally underwhelmed by him so far, therefore, it's not a given that Minikin would have performed at the level we would want. I cannot miss if buts and maybes.

Agree with the minikin part. I just feel if minikin had been fit there may have been a reluctance to give Ashton and/or thewlis a run of games, as it has panned out I feel we have more and stronger options than we did at the start of the season. I think thewlis should be first choice fullback in the squad and for me right now he would probably be the first name on the team sheet. If minikin was fit thewlis may have only had the same opportunity that Riley Dean has had.

Holmes has done alright, nothing particularly stand out but I prefer him to Hughes.

Does no one else think Charnley is most at risk from a fit Minikin?

You've a good point Captain I'm not seeing Ashton as the first choice to drop out and as we seem to favour our left, chances for Charnley are becoming a bit rarer the pressure is definitely on

I hope gets a brace tonight.

Quote: Captain Hook "Does no one else think Charnley is most at risk from a fit Minikin?'" Possibly looking for a return to the dark side:- https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrIdVv ... PWwgUNx2c-

Quote: Captain Hook "Does no one else think Charnley is most at risk from a fit Minikin?'" Possibly looking for a return to the dark side:- https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrIdVv ... PWwgUNx2c-

mm, maybe at the start of the season, but after his try scoring start, not so much

I really don’t like to pick on him, but he just doesn’t seem to back himself from more than 20 metres out like he used to. Like UR I hope he scores a couple tonight to prove me wrong.

Charnley is at risk in the future in terms of salary cap space I would suggest but right now he is our best winger IMO.

Ashtons performances this year are challenging that I think, seems to make more meters in his carry off our own line and obviously has far more threat in terms of pace. If I was choosing between Ashton & Charnley right now, I’d probably pick Ashton.

i'm probably tempting fate, but i think ashton has looked improved under high balls this year

I agree, it depends on how much Charnley is prepared to lose off his current salary during contract negotiations with Wire for his prospective 2023 onwards contract.

The forwards that Wire need for next year will consume a lot more Salary Cap space than the current incumbents, and hence the need to reduce expenditure elsewhere.

The salaries of widdop, ratchford, Hughes and Jason Clark alone should get us a top class prop and maybe another second rower(not been impressed with Holmes one bit). I don't think charnley staying or going, although I think he's off, should affect our chances of improving the pack.

I think our fans take Ashton for granted or underrate him. Other than get injured and make ONE mistake in a semi final, he really hasn't put a foot wrong since he joined us. He is so exciting when he gets the ball with any room.

Be interesting to see what Powell decides. The brave move could be to not replace Widdop and use Ratchford at half to transition Dean to the role as 2023 progresses. Thewlis full back full time.

Widdop money to spend big on a prop.

Hughes and Clark money to bring in someone capable of covering Back Row / Loose position from the bench rotating with Magoulias if he stays. Tanginoa has been mentioned, seemed great when he joined Wakey but seems a little quieter recently playing predominantly prop I think so not sure what’s happened there.

Mulhern & Cooper out of contract, both worth of a spot in 2023 I think if we can bring in a significant prop signing.

Whitehead, Burgess & Gannon to hopefully kick on and provide support for injuries.

Holmes will come good I think, already an upgrade on Hughes and I’m not sure Longstaff is ready to take the role full time.