Thewlis was faultless tonight, his link up play is developing, and he was a threat with ball in hand, a la ratch.

Since it’s a Tom Lineham thread, I think it’s only fair to say that Lineham is also ‘a threat with ball in hand’. For different uncomfortable reasons.

One thing I do like with all the youngsters, and was also evident last year against Salford, is the total enthusiasm they have when playing.
Having some experience around them last night really helped, but it is all very encouraging going forward - especially with a coach who has a reputation for develpping players.

Frustrating to see how good Lineham is when he sticks to his job.

Looks promising, seems like he's been playing at the level for years, need to see that link up play develop that Ratch plays so well at times. Looks to be well timed too, Ratch will be 34 by the time his contract expires next season and though I think he could well get another year or so - as I think he would be a useful squad player even if he wasn't first choice full back at that stage - Thewlis at 20 / 21 will be well placed to pick up the baton.

No doubting that he's a good winger (disciplinary issues aside), a lot depends on his salary, which I imagine would be fairly decent and what Powell wants going forwards. Powell has had a habit in the past few years to turn wingers who were a little unfancied in to try scorers - Solomona / Eden / Olpherts. Maybe he wants less cap spend on the wings and more elsewhere.

Would Manfredi be an option for us? Serious injury concerns obviously over the past few years, but if you could pick him up on a modest salary as a potential back up to Charnley / Ashton might be worth a shot? Just as long as you weren't expecting him to be first choice. If Tom Davies was an option though, would definitely go for that.

whosat then?

Utter nonsense

Exactly another very good display from him last night, didn’t put a foot wrong & took his interception try very well. Since his ban he’s been solid and hasn’t missed a best.. shame to lose him on these type of performances.

I was going to say this is a very harsh criticism, but in fact I think it isn’t describing the Tom Lineham I watch.

In the pecking order of Wire wingers of the Super League era I reckon you have Hicks, Joel Monaghan, Matt King when he played as a winger then Lineham is the best of the rest, ahead of Riley, Fa'afili, Charnley.

Agree with this, Lineham is a very good player. I feel he is treated harshly by the disciplinary panel but then again he keeps giving them the opportunity to be harsh on him. With good discipline no way would I want him to be leaving wire, he's definitely not past it.

I do think that last night he took his responsibilities as a senior pro seriously and maybe that is part of his (belated) growing up.

Easy to forget he's still only 28. Could have a brilliant 4 years or so ahead of him.

Or playing for a contract. All players seem to up their game when out of contract.