Max was outstanding in 2024, has persevered when the likes of walker Hampshire et al were picked in front of him. However if he’s second in line as gb full back think it says more about the dearth of quality in British game. Championship player of the year is nice but both max and the other former championship player of year walmsley have a lot to prove at sl level. Realistically think we are the team most likely to give him a good deal, personally think talk of other clubs is just that - talk! Am sure he’ll be announced before long along with atoni

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Develop?
Our halfbacks are pretty much the most experienced in the squad. What do you want them to develop?

Not sure develop was the right phrase here. I would say it’s more develop a working partnership. Individually all 3 halfbacks have the ability. Only Lawford needs to develop this year and I can see him doing that on dual reg with Batley.

Not sure i agree about that both max and atone have something to prove. Atoni was atrocious when he first came but once fifita came it was like he was a different player, first choice prop in a struggling team. Max has played a lot of games but has consistently overlooked by successive coaches in favour of other players. This needs to be his season where he actually establishes himself as a top SL fullback - something he's yet to do.

In truman we have potentially one of the top3 standoffs in sl he doesn't need to develop he just needs to stay fit ! Russel has played a lot of SL games and i think some one else on here referred to developing a partnership