its the first week in January... negotiations take time... whether to leave or stay in 2026... that takes time... however: - I see no speculation on possible suitors in the RL press - all the signings and retentions have been announced at a time that is strategically beneficial to the club - Currently MAX is an icon at the club... his performances in '25 with either enhance or break that status. - his most recent form has been as a standout player at championship level I kind of like that we don't have to be scared of players leaving or staying for money any more... if its right for both parties he will be a Trinity player in '26 and beyond... if it's not right for both parties then he won't.

[quote="Trojan Horse":3kpy6cyh]I like Atoni but he’s got much more to prove at SL level than Max who’s played 100 or so games in the comp and is known SL standard already. I like Atoni and he’s improved but I’ll be interested to see how him and Bain go at SL level.[/quote:3kpy6cyh] For me Atoni is there. He's played in SL and when he settled he really rocked defenses. And I think has got fitter. Bain is a question mark. We'll just have to see. He's had a slow start with injury but could be good for us.

[quote="PopTart":d2f7e3ii]For me Atoni is there. He's played in SL and when he settled he really rocked defenses. And I think has got fitter. Bain is a question mark. We'll just have to see. He's had a slow start with injury but could be good for us.[/quote:d2f7e3ii] I agree but I think he only actually got there for 1/3 of the season at the back end. He can do it but I want to see if he can do it consistently over a season. He’s capable. Bain is a question mark. I can see him playing more interchange 13.

[quote="Trojan Horse":1z7p017p]I agree but I think he only actually got there for 1/3 of the season at the back end. He can do it but I want to see if he can do it consistently over a season. He’s capable. Bain is a question mark. I can see him playing more interchange 13.[/quote:1z7p017p] I agree on Bain at 13 but he's got Pitts, Cozza and any of the middles when Powell plays them their. He's got a tough job to impress.

[quote="PopTart":3pe1xcrr]I agree on Bain at 13 but he's got Pitts, Cozza and any of the middles when Powell plays them their. He's got a tough job to impress.[/quote:3pe1xcrr] He does, it’s hard to see past Pitts for starting 13. Seems to be aging like a fine wine and looks fitter and stronger. There’s certainly healthy competition for interchange 13 like you say. Could be a handful fighting for it. Will make for a good competitive training attitude hopefully.

I don't think our forwards will be overwhelmed by SL but I am concerned a little by our half backs. We really need to hit the road running - we cannot afford to wait for players to develop. Just how I see it- they may make me eat my words and I hope they do!