So was I. Do Franco and Cozza not count on the quota?

I think these two are having a bit of an errorfest these last couple of games so maybe Storton will get his chance shortly. Can he kick goals?

Yes I agree with that especially after watching last night.

When Batch was kicking for us, he was really good. I wonder if he left his kicking boots in Wakey.

As juniors both James and Joe were amazing kickers and both were the regular kickers for their respective teams, as they have both developed in to forwards it seems the kicking has been neglected (both played halves as juniors at Crigg)
The biggest error from James last night was trying yo outstretch for the try when all he had to do was fall over and it was a score

No mate, just the ones from down under, NZ etc. France is a part of SL so don't count on quotas.

That’s good then cheers mate.

Bit of a Rumours/Looking forward to 2025 post. If reports are correct this could be our side in SL:

Jowitt (2026) Best player in the Championship IMO
Walmsley (2025) Got some bulking up to do but should be SL quality
Thornley (2025)
Pratt (2026)
Johnstone (TBA) According to non-bull news sources it's all agreed
Lino (2026)
?
Atoni (2025) Our Tom Amone - never seen a player improve so much after one pre-season
Hood (off contract) Just realised he's only 32. We have two other decent hookers, but he's still the best of the three IMO
McMeeken (TBA) Same as Johnstone apparently
Griffin (off contract) Still an SL player
Vagana (2025) Unless he moves to a bigger club
Rodwell (2025) Obviously can't know whether he'd get the 13 shirt over Pitts, but I've got high hopes

Smith (?) Not sure on his contract length but destined for SL
Uele (option for 2025) Been pleasantly surprised by his technical ability. Thought he was going to be a steamroller but he's much better than that.
Bowden (off contract) Massively improved too, but don't know if it's just because of the opposition we've had so far
Pitts (off contract)

Lawford (2026) No doubt he'll turn out to be a class player and will hopefully get our 7 shirt eventually, but a year of him being in and out of an SL team, learning from an experienced half would do him no harm, similar to Mikey Lewis' development.
Kay (2025)
Doyle (off contract) Will be earning it this season but you get the impression Powell likes him
Boothroyd (off contract) Feels like him and Bain will be duking it out for the last overseas quote spot next year. Which is a shame with his injury.
Bain (2025)
Cozza (2025) Steady player but good enough for the squad
Shaw (off contract) Looking forward to seeing him play more this year
Law (2025) Same as above when given the chance

Above assumes Ashurst and Gale will retire.
If all goes well I could see us retaining Olpherts.
I expect Croft and Franco to drop out of Powell's plans but let's see.
Obviously the big question is who we can get in to organise the team.

What do you reckon? All debate welcome!

Vagana is clearly more a prop than SR on the showings we have seen. I expect he will play as prop.

I'd have to agree. But if Ashurst retires and Boothroyd doesn't make the cut, we're a natural second row short.

Tough one Russell. I like him, he's an all rounder but he's not quite where (and I can't believe I'm saying this) I'd like us to be aiming the next few years. Only issue with looking in Aus is that it'd almost definitely mean losing another quota player to make way. No doubt Mills will be looking already - hope he's got Jackson Hastings' number.

We will just recruit a second rower then I suspect - not sure if Storton who’s rumoured is a second row.

I expect Pitts, Ashurst and Griffin are possibly in their final year but we will see.

A lot can change over the season for sure.

For me if we are looking at Russel I’d just as happily see Lawford given the opportunity. Can only imagine Lawford will be ready come a full year of full time training and learning from Gale and full time coaching. I can certainly see the case for a top class marquee half though.

Trinity allegedly interested in centre Cameron Scott at Hull FC…

Already discussed in two earlier threads. Is his agent in touch with you guys?