Lino was given a three year contract and throughout his time he has never had to worry about his place in the team as we have never had more than two credible halves. If he is with us next season he will be under pressure to retain his place. Plus if he plays he will also have a good half alongside him who may help improve his game. Therefore I am happy to wait and see what he can do next season.

Can't resist fighting Lino's corner - though I'm not going to do a very good job of it. Lino's a confidence player, which I don't like. You can't really afford to carry a half who's only on when he's on, and loses his head when you're down. But that can be coached out of players - Tony Smith has made a career of it. Lino has weaknesses in his game - his pass selection being the obvious one. And that's also crucial, especially in tight games. But it's also really noticeable, which is why I think he's a much better rounded half than people seem to give him credit.

He'd be horrible to defend against on your line - he's unpredictable (for better and for worse), can tie you up, get on your outside shoulder, make you commit to the tackle and then put it on a plate for a wide runner. His short kicking game is very good. His long kicking game decent too. He's good in broken field, backs up, and his defence is way above average for a half back. Before last year - when we were pure tripe all over the field - when he played well we usually won.

I actually think him and Gale are an excellent pairing - one dominant play caller, one more elusive runner. Russell will fill Gale's role - he hasn't had enough chance to prove it, but he's a general with a decent kicking game, much like Trueman if he comes (who I think is a superb player). Neither of them are game breakers, and for me we need someone who is. For now, much like Walmsley on the wing, I'd like to see how Lino goes next year. And if he's not up to it, we go back in for a better version of him.

If we do bring in Trueman too it's going to be a bit weird. There's no way Trueman would come to Wakefield to be rotated. And it sounds like Russell has been given assurances about kicking on and commanding a team. So if it's true, I guess Lino's on the bench or fighting for his spot.

Onto other business, most fans will know it's transfer deadline day tomorrow. Bower's written a great little article on LoveRugbyLeague, clearing up a few things. Namely you can't make any more loan deals after the deadline, and you can't send players out on dual reg unless they've already played 4 games for their partner club this season. I know that doesn't affect us, more thinking about our competitors.

So where does that leave us? Any signings you're expecting to see announced? Anywhere you'd like to see our squad strengthened with a loan? And if so, who?

Has Storton been formally announced? Any truth in the Matty Russell chat? If Lino or Gale get injured before the end of the season, is it officially Max to 7 and Walkmsley to 1? Interested in your thoughts.

Thank you for your input Mrs Lino!

Apart from the odd game, I've not rated him since he came here. No where near SL quality in my opinion, especially if we're aiming for top six or even top eight. I don't think he'd be a bad option as a third choice half to cover injuries, but it'd a waste of a quota spot if we did.

Haha I knew that was coming. Let me guess - "bring back Rocky"?

For his entire Wakefield career, Lino has been saddled with being partnered with Miller's headless chicken act so my main concern with Lino is that he didn't push Miller aside and take control as a dominant half. This season should have shown us what Lino is capable of but he seems to have some chronic conditions that need to be cleared up or shipped out. The clock is ticking on his opportunities to impress that he can do the job required of him.

Not for me. He's a full back not a half, and I'm happy with the one we've got. Although I do rate him, I think that ship has sailed.

2021 - We've signed Mason Lino to take over the organising which will free Jacob Miller up to play his natural game.

2023 - Now Jacob Miller gone Lino will take over the organising and he can be the main man.

Also 2023 - We've signed Luke Gale to take over the organising which will free Lino up to play his natural game.

Nearly four years in and we still don't know if he's an organising half or running half. If we have signed Trueman and Russell then Powell has probably decided it's neither.

I would like to see a halfback come in on loan or a utility. Someone like Hampshire. With Lawford out for season, Lino unknown for how long he’s out or could be out for and Gale effectively having to play every game with playoffs upcoming it’s not ideal. Unless the plan is for Jowitt to see out the season at 6. Someone like Hampshire would be a good option. I think we do need a loan half just to be safe. Or even manage Gale.

As for signings,

I’m don’t think signing for 2025 must be announced by the deadline. It’s more for remaining 2024 signings that need to be announced before tomorrow. So the likes of Storton/Russell etc can be announced anytime. The Storton one I would say could be just a matter of announcing. Less convinced on Marty Russell rumour.

It already is Walmsley to 1 and Jowitt to 7. You don’t need our thoughts because it’s already happened. That’s the position we find ourselves in. Jowitt is the best option.

Interesting take. I have always had Lino down as the headless chicken half with the skips across the line, the delayed or miss times passes and the only real play the crash ball onto a running second rower.

Interestingly Lino’s best game this season was the only time he’s been out on the left vs bulls.

With Field and French struggling I can't see Wigan letting him go any time soon. If anyone comes in this season I reckon it'll be Trueman.

Miller is a decent HB, Lino is the headless chicken, think you’re in a minority on that. In the few decent games we’ve had from Lino in the early days they were all when partnered by Miller. For me Lino just doesn’t have the smarts as. HB.

Agreed. I do actually think he would make a more decent 9 would Lino. Though past comments are he’s refused to play in that position.

I agree about the smarts. He doesn’t appear to organise plays or command the edges in the early tackle count to set up plays and it’s very off the cuff stuff which on the odd ocassion works but often he’s run out, takes it too close to the line and gets shut down or forced a pass that doesn’t amount to much.

Not sure where the kicking game comes from. He can get decent height on bombs but they’re not what I’d call well placed.

Me neither to be honest. There was rumour we had signed the Trueman show. Allegedly signed him and loaned him to FC for 4 weeks to join us for the run in this season. Would be a good move if true.

I think Lino's issues are as much about the team as him.
When Griffin plays, his double pump works. They took some time to get it going but it works now.
Others aren't there yet.

He's proved he can do it, like against Bradford when we were down on numbers.
We'll just have to see.