We are certainly moving in the right direction IN MY OPINION but I am not for one minute claiming to be the font of all knowledge!!!

On Sunday against Wigan, we had six members of the seventeen who have graduated from our Academy; that is not to be sniffed at. Also I would argue that of those six, 3 or 4 were in our best 5 players on the day.

I have repeatedly said on here how good Josh Thewlis is and I stand by my prediction that he will be an England international within the next four years and he will make the full back spot his own once Stef has stepped aside or moved positions. I would have to disagree on an earlier post where Thewlis was described as a ‘stand in’ as he has proved himself to be more than that this season.

I think that Ellis Longstaff and Connor Wrench will get plenty of Super League game time over the next 12–18 months and will then become regulars.

I think that the re-introduction of the Reserves next year will be a massive boost to the youngsters coming through; they will be able to get meaningful game time in a Wire shirt rather than having to go out on loan. Riley Dean is definitely one who springs to mind in this category as well as Eribe Doro, Ellis Robson, Nathan Roebuck, Jacob Gannon and Morgan Burgess.

In the current Academy side there are several who could well breakthrough but I don’t want to put any pressure on them by naming them at this stage, although Josh Thewlis younger brother Jake made a very promising debut in the Academy last Friday night at Hull KR even though he is only 16.

I do get very protective of the young lads as I see them at close quarters and know the dedication that they are putting in; unfortunately, as in all sports, some sadly do not progress but I have very high hopes for several of our current young crop.

I like Minikin. A steady solid winger. Wouldn’t play him at centre any more than I would Charnley. Could play it if desperate.

Many on here have questioned this signing but in reality he is a typical Powell buy. He might not strike you as a star buy but is a good solid honest pro and furthermore is reliable and dependable. Sure he has his faults like many others but deserves our support until such time as he has proven otherwise. My only concern is that he may hold back some of our better youngsters but that will be down to the new management and to the youngsters themselves to compete with him.

That's the way I saw Mamo at the start of the season RD, I don't think it's a perfect fit but with the right attitude it works.

And now I see that Jesse Sene-Lefao is to leave Cas at the end of the season.

rlhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/58487573rl

No mention of retirement, no mention of returning to New Zealand.

Think I read somewhere he was probably off to Salford.

Torn his ACL

Ouch. That's 2 of our new signings out for the majority of 2022, the 'Powell Curse' has followed him over the Pennines.

Who has?

Greg inglis

Greg Minikin

Perhaps we could do with converting part of the HJ to a hospital wing. We seem to be perennial recipients of injured players who reduce the squad depth even before the new season starts.

So unlucky with recruitment for next season. Wishing him a speedy and full recovery. Shame for him as even if he gets fit he won't have had the time to gel with teammates on the field after a full pre season. Same goes for Harrison.

At this rate Powell will start moaning about injuries before he even gets here.

Holmes is now out with a neck injury! Not going well for our new signings