Boxing Day

Quote: Trojan Horse "
Quote: Trojan Horse "
Quote: Trojan Horse "Squad for Boxing Day

When you actually see the list, we have a slightly stronger squad than I thought, especially as a few are still missing and a biggy to come.

I'm not pretending, it's a new squad with an untried coach (but aren't they all at some point) and it could go either way but I can't see a player in that lot I wouldn't play regular or in parts, with the possible exception of Law, Pratt and Butterworth, who have a bit to go yet.'"

A bit sad but I’ve written down and looked over our squad a number of times and other than a question mark over the 6 position I firmly believe we are going into 2023 stronger.

We have Taufua, Proctor and Atoni who between them bring 500+ nrl games experience. That is an enormous injection of experience from the NRL.

Langi has been a top 4 Centre in SL for 5 years and he’s still in his prime years. Better than the likes of Luetele etc. That’s consistent proof of quality.

Smith looking at the highlights looks to me like a young Miller. Can tackle and is more of a runner but appears to have a good short kicking game close to the line (that is imo what we have lacked for years).

Bowden looks like a solid performer down the middle and for me showed up well at prop back end of 2022. Happy to have him in 2023 from start of season.

The young lads are all a year older and wiser and some with more SL games under their belt. I expect continual improvement will boost the team and crucially the depth.

I’m honestly quite optimistic this season. By the sounds of it the players are working hard and if we get the fitness and pre season on point it will only see further improvements.

Out of the Boxing Day team we still miss the likes of….

Hood, Kay, Taufua, Hall, Proctor, Langi, Tanginoa, who I would be expecting to play. That said I look at the team and to me it still looks fairly strong. Im pretty happy with where we are.

I’m looking forward to seeing the below players…

Eseh (Could be his breakthrough season finally)
Butler (there was improvement end of 2022, if he’s in shape we could be into a winner).
Bowes (real chance for him to stake a claim in his 3rd FT season)
Windrow (like Bowes needs to show this season he can step up)

Atoni has big shoes to fill in big Dave but after only just landing I don’t expect too much.

I’m happy for people to underestimate trinity for 2023. My positivity is well and truly back.'"

I agree and I’m also comfortable with our 6 position with 3 players on the squad able to operate there.

My main concern is all squads have strengthened that were around us last year and Leigh are replacing Toulouse.

Wire won’t be on the bottom 2 next year.

I do believe we will be a better team and put in better performance but I do still envisage it being a tough season.

I said at the start of the season just gone the next 2 years would be huge for Trinity on the field in view of all the great stuff happening off the field.

I expect us to be in for another rough ride but feel on and off the field we now have very strong foundations to finally really kick on in 24.

Given the panic that was growing in early December the club have pulled together a squad that on paper could have been significantly worse.