[quote="Butcher":1hs7z7rp]Really enjoyed the game as always. Don’t think it’ll have much bearing on our season but a few reflections: Rourke will be a very able deputy. Walmsley defended brilliantly and came up with some great reads, but still looks like he’ll get bent in half bringing the ball out in this league. Hall was workmanlike and I’d still prefer Pratt on that side, just got more about him. Think Scott could prove a brilliant pick up, he looked dangerous every time he got the ball. Hard to read too much into our halves - they’re clearly both able players and it’s just a case of game time. Thought our forwards looked the part - Rodwell did get stood up a few times which was worrying but no doubting his effectiveness with the ball, even against Oledzski, Ackers et al him and CHU were getting rapid play the balls. Vagana too. Tough day for Harvey Smith - v good in attack and made his tackles but ultimately he’s too small to stand up in the middle yet. I know it’s not at all the done thing, but I’d be tempted to make him defend one in so he’s ultra effective on the ball. As always, it was a bit up in the air when the young lads came on, but Ellis Lingard is going to be one hell of a player if he keeps his head down. He constantly found his front and defended like a first teamer.[/quote:1hs7z7rp] Yes generally agree. I just watched the full game back. The stand out players for us were Scott and CHU for me. They looked every bit ready to go so things can only get better. Rodwell was average by his standards but that often happens with forwards in preseason. Thought the second rows were hit and miss. Some good some very average but Seth is just off the plane and Vagana is learning his trade. We lacked go forward when both teams were strong, which is forwards and back 3. Walmsley was OK and showed a lot of speed to run Sivo down. Although neither winger got much chance, we didn't see Hall or Sivo break a tackle either. I like Rourke and unless the others find form I can see him claiming the left centre spot. Half backs were the interest for me. Neither really shone but we didn't have much field position for them. Honestly, if we are still down on hookers I'd be having Russell at 9 and Lino at 7. He looked like he wanted it today did Lino and I'm all for that. But there's a long way to go there. If you put Max, Tom, McMeekan, Hood, Doyle and Atoni, and probably Stourtan and Pitts, the field position will be massively different so we'll see how we progress with more troops. Quite impressed with the youngsters when they came on. More so than Leeds which is saying something.

I have to mention this as it’s got me both confused and entertained. A few Leeds fans seem to be really bigging up Sivo and the ‘amazing’ break. From what I saw, he was handled very well by a young player in Pratt. He got one break but got ran down before even getting close to the line by the opposite winger and other trinity players. I didn’t see the hype at all. Looks like speed on the edges could hurt the rhinos this season.

[quote="Trojan Horse":33bybx7x]I have to mention this as it’s got me both confused and entertained. A few Leeds fans seem to be really bigging up Sivo and the ‘amazing’ break. From what I saw, he was handled very well by a young player in Pratt. He got one break but got ran down before even getting close to the line by the opposite winger and other trinity players. I didn’t see the hype at all. Looks like speed on the edges could hurt the rhinos this season.[/quote:33bybx7x] They have power though. So they will get off their line really well but neither are going to blaze down the wing.

[quote="Trojan Horse":1iwi1bzi]I have to mention this as it’s got me both confused and entertained. A few Leeds fans seem to be really bigging up Sivo and the ‘amazing’ break. From what I saw, he was handled very well by a young player in Pratt. He got one break but got ran down before even getting close to the line by the opposite winger and other trinity players. I didn’t see the hype at all. Looks like speed on the edges could hurt the rhinos this season.[/quote:1iwi1bzi] Leeds clearly looking to start their sets well using Hall and Sivo to get them rolling forward after winning contact early in the set off their carries then using them in a similar role close to the line to use their size and strength over their pace. I guess like we did last year with Jerry & Olpherts. To be fair it’s the way a lot of clubs tend to go now. Wigan do it very well with Miski and to a lesser extent Marshall who is more of an all rounder but still carries very well. TJ is capable of doing it too but obviously he has that athleticism too I do though worry we lack a bit in our outside backs able to carry early in the sets to get us that momentum outside of TJ. Whilst Walmsley showed some great touches last year his exist set carry was average and the reason he lost his spot on the wing however I know that it is something the club have been working on with him ahead of 2025. Having a winger that has pace and strike/pace capable of converting half breaks into tries/big metre gains who also wins contact instantly puts them into the top tier of wingers in SL.

Yer I don't think it's something Leeds need to worry about. Both wingers will find the line a lot this year with players left on the floor behind them. We have some questions over left centre but if it isn't Pratt he is a credible wing option for us too.

[quote="Trojan Horse":2yuhl4wr]I have to mention this as it’s got me both confused and entertained. A few Leeds fans seem to be really bigging up Sivo and the ‘amazing’ break. From what I saw, he was handled very well by a young player in Pratt. He got one break but got ran down before even getting close to the line by the opposite winger and other trinity players. I didn’t see the hype at all. Looks like speed on the edges could hurt the rhinos this season.[/quote:2yuhl4wr] Sivo will do a good job getting them out of the red zone but I don’t think he will break any pots, well I hope not

[quote="PopTart":3f5yapfo]Yes generally agree. I just watched the full game back. The stand out players for us were Scott and CHU for me. They looked every bit ready to go so things can only get better. Rodwell was average by his standards but that often happens with forwards in preseason. Thought the second rows were hit and miss. Some good some very average but Seth is just off the plane and Vagana is learning his trade. We lacked go forward when both teams were strong, which is forwards and back 3. Walmsley was OK and showed a lot of speed to run Sivo down. Although neither winger got much chance, we didn't see Hall or Sivo break a tackle either. I like Rourke and unless the others find form I can see him claiming the left centre spot. Half backs were the interest for me. Neither really shone but we didn't have much field position for them. Honestly, if we are still down on hookers I'd be having Russell at 9 and Lino at 7. He looked like he wanted it today did Lino and I'm all for that. But there's a long way to go there. If you put Max, Tom, McMeekan, Hood, Doyle and Atoni, and probably Stourtan and Pitts, the field position will be massively different so we'll see how we progress with more troops. Quite impressed with the youngsters when they came on. More so than Leeds which is saying something.[/quote:3f5yapfo] Glad you made a comment about Lino though he was the best half of the 3 .Russell ,can kick, can tackle is 24 so think offers a lot more than Hood at 9. Enjoyed match defence looks very good, we got speed in the team, but a lot of work to do on the attack by the look of the first half

[quote="alegend":26ydmeno]Glad you made a comment about Lino though he was the best half of the 3 .Russell ,can kick, can tackle is 24 so think offers a lot more than Hood at 9. Enjoyed match defence looks very good, we got speed in the team, but a lot of work to do on the attack by the look of the first half[/quote:26ydmeno] You have to put things into perspective. Lino came on against a team with young halves and young full back/winger. Had Truemam and Russell stayed on then I would imagine they would’ve had more space and success. Though having competition will be good for Lino. We may see the best of him.

Just my opinion but once our ground improvements are complete I would hope this boxing day fixture could alternate between Leeds and Wakefield.

[quote="1315trinity":33bkvl4j]Just my opinion but once our ground improvements are complete I would hope this boxing day fixture could alternate between Leeds and Wakefield.[/quote:33bkvl4j] It's been traditionally there because of the under soil heating.

[quote="Trojan Horse":1ow1mfez]You have to put things into perspective. Lino came on against a team with young halves and young full back/winger. Had Truemam and Russell stayed on then I would imagine they would’ve had more space and success. Though having competition will be good for Lino. We may see the best of him.[/quote:1ow1mfez] I agree but he looked busier and Russell drppedvthe ball and gave penalties away, which is nothing to do with opposition. Long way to go. I haven't written Russell off by any means. I like him a lot. But Lino is not out of it either. All of them need forwards to get us moving down field though.

I was shocked at the size of Trueman, he is an absolute unit at 6, similar size to Brad Fittler at 6. All in all a decent run out I reckon. With a decent proportion of our starting 17 out it was a good hit out. Out of the new signings I thought Cam Scott was a really stand out, fantastic in defence and solid in attack. Nikotemo only once or twice got a decent ball in space to run and looked like a powerful lad, pulled off a couple of nice tackles too. Hall was solid against Newman, Rourke looked solid too, be interesting to see him trialed on the wing. Special mention to Rodwell and Uele, for me the top 3 forwards on the field by a country mile, Rodwell would walk into any team in SL and Uele is looking really trim and ready for the step up.

[quote="Pat Bateman":szgnbb1i]I was shocked at the size of Trueman, he is an absolute unit at 6, similar size to Brad Fittler at 6. All in all a decent run out I reckon. With a decent proportion of our starting 17 out it was a good hit out. Out of the new signings I thought Cam Scott was a really stand out, fantastic in defence and solid in attack. Nikotemo only once or twice got a decent ball in space to run and looked like a powerful lad, pulled off a couple of nice tackles too. Hall was solid against Newman, Rourke looked solid too, be interesting to see him trialed on the wing. Special mention to Rodwell and Uele, for me the top 3 forwards on the field by a country mile, Rodwell would walk into any team in SL and Uele is looking really trim and ready for the step up.[/quote:szgnbb1i] I wouldn’t say fantastic as he got stepped by Sivo who went on a run downfield. Luckily he’s slow so didn’t get there. Otherwise defence was pretty good though and a nice break. Was definitely a strong performance from him. Personally, I thought the best two on the pitch for us that first 40 was Pratt and Nikitemo. Then followed by Scott. Trueman is quite tall for sure. I felt we could have been deeper on the left and when Jowitt gets back and gives him some options to pass deep to we will see some good plays. Roarke looked good on the ball with some decent runs into the line but he really needs to learn from Max where to be putting himself to create options for the halves and potentially create space for outside. Something imo Jowitt is the best in SL at doing and strongest part of his game. IMHO Full back is the most influential and important position in a team. Jowitt will make a huge difference along with TJ to the backs.

[quote="Trojan Horse":vv9c7tzi]I wouldn’t say fantastic as he got stepped by Sivo who went on a run downfield. Luckily he’s slow so didn’t get there. Otherwise defence was pretty good though and a nice break. Was definitely a strong performance from him. Personally, I thought the best two on the pitch for us that first 40 was Pratt and Nikitemo. Then followed by Scott. Trueman is quite tall for sure. I felt we could have been deeper on the left and when Jowitt gets back and gives him some options to pass deep to we will see some good plays. Roarke looked good on the ball with some decent runs into the line but he really needs to learn from Max where to be putting himself to create options for the halves and potentially create space for outside. Something imo Jowitt is the best in SL at doing and strongest part of his game. IMHO Full back is the most influential and important position in a team. Jowitt will make a huge difference along with TJ to the backs.[/quote:vv9c7tzi] Don’t agree with Sivo stepping, he got put through a huge hole in fairly broken play. Looking at Sivo, don’t think he’d be able to step a Turtle. Agree with Jowitt in the team, but more so his positional awareness in defence when they kick. We were pinned back a lot by their superior kicking game, only Trueman for us put any sort of decent kick in, Russell and Lino’s were atrocious failing to get passed the half way line on multiple occasions. Not sure who we’ve got next but I’m sure the game against Leeds will put us in good stead.

[quote="Pat Bateman":5aqws7nn]I was shocked at the size of Trueman, he is an absolute unit at 6, similar size to Brad Fittler at 6. All in all a decent run out I reckon. With a decent proportion of our starting 17 out it was a good hit out. Out of the new signings I thought Cam Scott was a really stand out, fantastic in defence and solid in attack. Nikotemo only once or twice got a decent ball in space to run and looked like a powerful lad, pulled off a couple of nice tackles too. Hall was solid against Newman, Rourke looked solid too, be interesting to see him trialed on the wing. Special mention to Rodwell and Uele, for me the top 3 forwards on the field by a country mile, Rodwell would walk into any team in SL and Uele is looking really trim and ready for the step up.[/quote:5aqws7nn] That will hopefully work for Truemam when the big lads target him in attack, as they do

Rodwell got skinned three times - one of which led to Connor’s first try, another that cost us 40 metres and another which cost us 70 metres. Watch the highlights back, he didn’t have a good game, but that’s okay, it’s preseason and now he knows he has to play the likes of Croft and Connor each week. As for Pratt, I’d really like to see him play left centre. What he achieved last season wasn’t just good for a young lad, it was brilliant generally. 20 tries, some of those from nothing, and can’t remember him making many mistakes. Sure, it was Championship, but I’d prefer to see him over Hall, who’ll just do a steady job. And while he could be a cover option for wing, I’d always prefer a specialist winger like Russell. Totally agree on Uele - thought he was awesome. Not at all worried about getting beat down the middle this season. If our halves manage us well, I’m still confident we’ll be in the mix.

Yes. Sorry to say I agree about Rodwell. You can never tell with forwards though. Sometimes you get them on Boxing Day in the middle of their heavy weights prep which makes them look sluggish. I'm not worried about Rodwell. Whereas Caleb looked to have trimmed a little bit which worked for him.

[quote="Butcher":47jo5vm0]Rodwell got skinned three times - one of which led to Connor’s first try, another that cost us 40 metres and another which cost us 70 metres. Watch the highlights back, he didn’t have a good game, but that’s okay, it’s preseason and now he knows he has to play the likes of Croft and Connor each week. As for Pratt, I’d really like to see him play left centre. What he achieved last season wasn’t just good for a young lad, it was brilliant generally. 20 tries, some of those from nothing, and can’t remember him making many mistakes. Sure, it was Championship, but I’d prefer to see him over Hall, who’ll just do a steady job. And while he could be a cover option for wing, I’d always prefer a specialist winger like Russell. Totally agree on Uele - thought he was awesome. Not at all worried about getting beat down the middle this season. If our halves manage us well, I’m still confident we’ll be in the mix.[/quote:47jo5vm0] Can’t disagree with the majority of that tbf. Agree Rodwell was at fault alongside Cozza for the first try, but the second try wasn’t a try as Trueman was wiped out. Brodie Croft looked very slick and did step him. But by the by he hit hard and ran hard did Rodwell, Uele was great too. Agree also with playing Pratt on the wing, I’m sure I heard Powell say he’s unsure if he’s a centre or winger, i might be wrong like.

Supporters see what they want to see in a game based on their individual prejudices, it will never change.

[quote="Scarlet Pimpernell":1c73i77e]Supporters see what they want to see in a game based on their individual prejudices, it will never change.[/quote:1c73i77e] I wanted to see Rodwell do really well. And Russell dominate the game at 7

[quote="PopTart":13y4nglp]I wanted to see Rodwell do really well. And Russell dominate the game at 7[/quote:13y4nglp] Out of all our signings Russell was by far the quietest one. Only time I noticed him was when he flew out of the line to put a shot on and miss and doing a poor kick that either went down the FB’s throat or barely reached the half way line. It’s one game I suppose int it.

[quote="Pat Bateman":2xkw8v0a]Out of all our signings Russell was by far the quietest one. Only time I noticed him was when he flew out of the line to put a shot on and miss and doing a poor kick that either went down the FB’s throat or barely reached the half way line. It’s one game I suppose int it.[/quote:2xkw8v0a] Exactly. He had no field position to work with today. He'll have better days.

[quote="Pat Bateman":35ko99na]Out of all our signings Russell was by far the quietest one. Only time I noticed him was when he flew out of the line to put a shot on and miss and doing a poor kick that either went down the FB’s throat or barely reached the half way line. It’s one game I suppose int it.[/quote:35ko99na] Yeah I noticed Russell shot out twice on Oledzski. Not sure if that’s just a personal plot because he knows he’s passed the ball about three times in his career, but it’s an odd thing for a half to shoot that far in field and not quite connect. Only takes a smarter prop to tip it on and you’re buggered. As mentioned above, Russell might out a lot of pressure on Lino to improve and break back in though, so if he turns out to only be as good at he was at Huddersfield, it’s no disaster.

[quote="Butcher":iyww9w26]Yeah I noticed Russell shot out twice on Oledzski. Not sure if that’s just a personal plot because he knows he’s passed the ball about three times in his career, but it’s an odd thing for a half to shoot that far in field and not quite connect. Only takes a smarter prop to tip it on and you’re buggered. As mentioned above, Russell might out a lot of pressure on Lino to improve and break back in though, so if he turns out to only be as good at he was at Huddersfield, it’s no disaster.[/quote:iyww9w26] I can only imagine that Russell will be working with Gale behind the scenes. Miller was a solid player for us over the years but I’d rather Russell play in his dinner Jacket with the ball a bit like Gale last season. Sometimes it’s just as important to give your edges and the next player some early ball. There will be a lot more to come from Russell and Trueman and plenty of pre season to mould them into a good partnership. Lino will be in the mix.

I haven't given up on Lino at all. He definitely has a role to play.