Lino can’t hold a candle to Trueman in the injury stakes

I agree, I really like Max but I don’t see him as a solution should we have an issue in the halves next year, he’s done well there this year in a team that has basically had a totally dominant forward pack, he won’t get that luxury week in week out next year.

He does have a fantastic passing game, arguably the best in the club but with him pace and line defence has been an area where he’s had issues in the past.

He’s up there this year with Rodwell and Uele as our best on ground in 2024, however I think his focus in 2025 will be back on the fullback shirt as it seems he will have a bit of a fight on his hands to make that 1 shirt his own in SL if we are bringing in Rouke and to a lesser extent Russell as rumoured.

Not suggesting Jowitt plays half all the time, more pointing out that we have an option should injuries hit. Still it's a moot point now as it looks like Lino is staying.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... e-30014635 Quote Josh Rourke - Wakefield Trinity Rugby League Live revealed last month that Rourke was on his way to Wakefield next year, a deal that is thought to have been done some time ago. After breaking his leg and missing the start of the season, he returned in remarkable form, scoring eight tries in as many games. The fullback will compete for a spot in the team next to Max Jowitt.'"

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... e-30014635 Quote Josh Rourke - Wakefield Trinity Rugby League Live revealed last month that Rourke was on his way to Wakefield next year, a deal that is thought to have been done some time ago. After breaking his leg and missing the start of the season, he returned in remarkable form, scoring eight tries in as many games. The fullback will compete for a spot in the team next to Max Jowitt.'"

It would appear so, however, if he is initially going to be a back up half at the start of the season, having your most experienced overseas player, who is a larger earner isn't ideal. Though I am a big advocate of picking players on form etc.

Maybe it could be that Eliis wants a return on his investment, before offloading him, should he wish to do so. It would cost less all round. Also, was there anyone else better, available to us, at the right time, who is a better fit

Many including me raised eyebrows late 2023 when we gave Lino a 3.5 year deal. It was more the length of the deal.

Last year maybe there wasn’t so much the calibre of players available but we found some and there’s some quality available on the market now.

It’s no secret I’m no Lino fan. While ever he’s here and pulling short on he will get my support but he is very much Championship standard imho.

I never said it was his best position, my words. I said potential.

Think it’s fair to say that Powell likes players who multi task

Name me 12 creative stand offs in SL who are better than Max. I think you are grossly underestimating him.

Remember he’s starring at 6 usually without a recognised scrum half. Imo Max would be a star at 6 even in SL. He basically plays FB like a 6.

Pongia and a lot of NRL players do both FB and 6 and they tend to be years ahead of us. Not suggesting Max is that level but neither is SL. Sorry Ketty but the games changed and you can’t typecast players anymore. I think you going to see players change positions more and more, especially in this role where FB and 6 have become very similar positions relatively speaking.

Well Trueman for a start.
He's our fullback which is a vital position.

Of course he can cover but that's not how we are planning to build the team.

True man is more a SH imo.

Max is hardly covering anymore, that’s very disrespectful! He’s a genuine now. For heavens sake players aren’t born with a brand saying FB only. Are you doing the same job you were at 17? Actually you probably are.

The point is that Max can easily cover and be effective and you know it.

And my point is he is our fullback.
Doesn't matter where else he can play, if you move him you are losing something.

And his experience at 6 is with a losing team and a championship team.