Quote: Rogues Gallery "Just to answer your question, I don't think Fell is ready. He's a bit like Matty Russell and personally think he's too small. Gildart looks to have "filled out" but he's still only 18 years of age, a first team bench spot could be good for him but under the current format that may be difficult.
Of the other players Joe Bretherton at prop (or second row) looks an outstanding prospect, although he is out for about 3 - 4 weeks with ankle ligament damage. I've said many times on here that Luke Waterworh has a superb passing game from #9 and providing he bulks up could be a very good player. Nick Gregson looks as though he could make the step up.
Another couple who have impressed are Liam (Brucie) Forsyth a tall rangy centre with good pace and reminds me of Joe Burgess a bit, and Jack Higginson who although he played on the wing yesterday, looks a very promising centre.
There's a few more who you could probably put at the top end of the junior players in the academy comp. but as JJ says any more than two in a season coming through is a BIG bonus. I don't envy the coaching staff having to pick "the keeps" and at some point they'll get one or two wrong, but up to now they appear to know what they are doing.
Yesterday wasn't probably the best day to judge as Wigan were on fire and Wire were disappointingly poor. It was a bit like the Catalan v Wigan game a few weeks back where everything they tried came off.'"
I think Fell is more disciplined in his play than Russell was at that age. Russell seemed to want to step his man every time he got the ball (which he usually could do) whereas Fell seems more willing to pass and has good handling ability. He's a smart player. The only issues could be his size (although he's strong for his size) and whether he's got enough outstanding qualities. He's got plenty of skills but whether he has that something special to set himself from the rest at the highest level is another matter.
Waterworth is a great prospect. His passing is so accurate and he's incredibly smart. The only thing that might hold him back is his size but he faced a huge pack of forwards when playing the Aussie schoolboys and had no issues. In fact he was excellent in those games.
As usual we seem to have plenty of good prospects in the back row. Gregson, Sherratt, Davies, Moore and Shelford all look promising.
