I think the same. Right now my team would be this 1 Jowitt 2 Russell M 3 Scott 4 Pratt 5 Johnstone 6 Trueman 7 Russell O 8 McMeekan 9 Hood 10 Atoni 11 Vagana 12 Storton 13 Pitts 14 Doyle 15 Uele 16 Rodwell 17 Niketemo Though I'm making an assumption about the new second row. Happy for Lino to be in the halves if he shows form and same with Griffin, Bain and Cozza

I think Walmsley will get the starting wing spot with Russell being used as an insurance policy in case Lachlan doesn't make it in SL Don't think Griffin will start that often, I guess it depends on how Niketemo settles into playing in England. Cozza will probably be used in rotation with Pitts at LF I think Lino will initially be the starting half next season, but will have to be a lot more consistent in his performance Bain is the difficult one for me, he has clearly struggled for both form and fitness this season, you only have to look at some of his previous games especially for Scotland to realise that he's not really been the player we were hoping for. He has tried hard when selected, perhaps a bit too hard at times, a couple of times his frustration showed with silly penalties and sin binnings, Ste Mills in the recent podcast he took part in did say that we'd see a different Bain this season. I hope so, but if he can't get over his injuries, and the right Quota Player became available I would have no problems with the club releasing him from his contract. Even back to full fitness unless we have an injury crisis in the pack I don't see him as a starting player.

I’m not sure about Walmsley at SL level, maybe controversial but I think he’ll struggle to make an impact. This isn’t a dig at him because he’s done well during the season but I don’t see the level of physicality required for SL in him and while fast he’s not lightning quick. After starting the season as first choice I can see Russell or Rourke replacing him not many rounds into the new season. I genuinely hope I’m wrong because as I said, he’s been really good during our Championship campaign and seems a really nice, genuine fella/team mate.

[quote="The Avenger":2dym6x21]I’m not sure about Walmsley at SL level, maybe controversial but I think he’ll struggle to make an impact. This isn’t a dig at him because he’s done well during the season but I don’t see the level of physicality required for SL in him and while fast he’s not lightning quick. After starting the season as first choice I can see Russell or Rourke replacing him not many rounds into the new season. I genuinely hope I’m wrong because as I said, he’s been really good during our Championship campaign and seems a really nice, genuine fella/team mate.[/quote:2dym6x21] I agree Avenger it's hard to judge how he's going to go in SL, however I think that Powell and his staff have put a lot of time and effort into improving him. He is clearly both physically and psychologically a much better player after just one season in a full time environment. Publicly at least he has accepted his lack of a regular starting birth with good grace, and has been willing to play in different positions giving his best efforts for the team As I've said I don't know if he can cut it at SL level but I think the work off the field that both he and the staff have done puts him in a stronger position to be successful, the Walmsley that we signed simply wouldn't have made it in the top flight.

[quote="The Avenger":t8u8bz5v]I’m not sure about Walmsley at SL level, maybe controversial but I think he’ll struggle to make an impact. This isn’t a dig at him because he’s done well during the season but I don’t see the level of physicality required for SL in him and while fast he’s not lightning quick. After starting the season as first choice I can see Russell or Rourke replacing him not many rounds into the new season. I genuinely hope I’m wrong because as I said, he’s been really good during our Championship campaign and seems a really nice, genuine fella/team mate.[/quote:t8u8bz5v] I'd love him to do well but Walmsley wasnt even starting with in the championship, being kept out of the team by a player we didn't even decide to keep. Doesn't bode well for him

[quote="Dr Dreadnought":1z6tuhkh]I think Walmsley will get the starting wing spot with Russell being used as an insurance policy in case Lachlan doesn't make it in SL Don't think Griffin will start that often, I guess it depends on how Niketemo settles into playing in England. Cozza will probably be used in rotation with Pitts at LF I think Lino will initially be the starting half next season, but will have to be a lot more consistent in his performance Bain is the difficult one for me, he has clearly struggled for both form and fitness this season, you only have to look at some of his previous games especially for Scotland to realise that he's not really been the player we were hoping for. He has tried hard when selected, perhaps a bit too hard at times, a couple of times his frustration showed with silly penalties and sin binnings, Ste Mills in the recent podcast he took part in did say that we'd see a different Bain this season. I hope so, but if he can't get over his injuries, and the right Quota Player became available I would have no problems with the club releasing him from his contract. Even back to full fitness unless we have an injury crisis in the pack I don't see him as a starting player.[/quote:1z6tuhkh] Tough on Bain, I think he went OK at times, and it was between him and Boothyroyd who didn't make the cut. Neither had much luck on the injury front. Hopefully a good pre season behind him, and we may see an improvement. I would also like to see him get a go at 13, as I feel that would suit him better. However, there is one person in the way of that though, in Jay Pitts

Cozza played for France yesterday against Wales

It was initially a big statement signing the top try scorer in the championship in Lachlan, though as poptart has referenced he couldn’t get in over Jerry or a player we’ve just not retained. It’s a decent step up in SL, with there being an abundance of quality wingers who if he doesn’t step up would make him look silly. It’s in his hands. In regards to Bain, I would be looking at getting a better quality middle as he hardly set the world alight in the championship, abide he came back from an injury. See what happens.

[quote="Pat Bateman":256ivaf1]It was initially a big statement signing the top try scorer in the championship in Lachlan, though as poptart has referenced he couldn’t get in over Jerry or a player we’ve just not retained. It’s a decent step up in SL, with there being an abundance of quality wingers who if he doesn’t step up would make him look silly. It’s in his hands. In regards to Bain, I would be looking at getting a better quality middle as he hardly set the world alight in the championship, abide he came back from an injury. See what happens.[/quote:256ivaf1] I thought Bain was showing steady improvement when he strung some games together. He strikes me as a solid middle who is a strong defender. He does look like more of a 13 to me though and I expect to see Pitts, Bain and Cozza all fighting for that 13 spot. I’m sure Bain has a good pair of hands so we could use him linking up. Walmsley I think will go fine in Superleague. He’d have had 60+ if he’d been left on the left wing. Powell went on record to say that Olpherts wasn’t happy at being dropped for Wembley i think and then he ended up being shoehorned in for Walmsley despite Walmsley being by far top try scorer. I think that was more to do with the dressing room than Walmsley ability though. Walmsley has improved in a few areas of his game. He carries well from backfield and eats up the yards. He has that ability to sniff out a try from almost anywhere too which some players just have. His defence is very good, don’t think he missed a single tackle all year I can recall. I have no issue with him being on the right wing next season and I do think he will go well for us there and deserves the chance. Olpherts did well and credit to him but I always felt it was a bit harsh on Walmsley. The positive is that we found out Walmsley can offer good cover at full back.

[quote="Pat Bateman":4d43j0za]It was initially a big statement signing the top try scorer in the championship in Lachlan, though as poptart has referenced he couldn’t get in over Jerry or a player we’ve just not retained. It’s a decent step up in SL, with there being an abundance of quality wingers who if he doesn’t step up would make him look silly. It’s in his hands. In regards to Bain, I would be looking at getting a better quality middle as he hardly set the world alight in the championship, abide he came back from an injury. See what happens.[/quote:4d43j0za] I thought Bain was showing steady improvement when he strung some games together. He strikes me as a solid middle who is a strong defender. He does look like more of a 13 to me though and I expect to see Pitts, Bain and Cozza all fighting for that 13 spot. I’m sure Bain has a good pair of hands so we could use him linking up. Walmsley I think will go fine in Superleague. He’d have had 60+ if he’d been left on the left wing. Powell went on record to say that Olpherts wasn’t happy at being dropped for Wembley i think and then he ended up being shoehorned in for Walmsley despite Walmsley being by far top try scorer. I think that was more to do with the dressing room than Walmsley ability though. Walmsley has improved in a few areas of his game. He carries well from backfield and eats up the yards. He has that ability to sniff out a try from almost anywhere too which some players just have. His defence is very good, don’t think he missed a single tackle all year I can recall. I have no issue with him being on the right wing next season and I do think he will go well for us there and deserves the chance. Olpherts did well and credit to him but I always felt it was a bit harsh on Walmsley. The positive is that we found out Walmsley can offer good cover at full back.

There is no way Powell pick Olpherts over Walmsley for Wembley because he complained. Anyone who has met Powell for 5 seconds would know he wouldn't do that. Powell said he moved him to cover FB and clearly likes him but ultimately Olpherts gets us off our own line better. That's why he played him.

[quote="PopTart":2vh1j533]There is no way Powell pick Olpherts over Walmsley for Wembley because he complained. Anyone who has met Powell for 5 seconds would know he wouldn't do that. Powell said he moved him to cover FB and clearly likes him but ultimately Olpherts gets us off our own line better. That's why he played him.[/quote:2vh1j533] I’m almost positive that Powell sor someone in interview said Olpherts wasn’t happy about being dropped for Wembley. Then the following game or so Walmsley didn’t appear again left wing. I’m putting two and two together but I accept that may not be the reason. It’s just what it looked like. Powell also did say that Walmsley had improved that part of his game and was eating up 100+ metres in an interview in the weeks running up to play offs. I don’t think it really matters though. I think Walmsley can make a good SL winger. I’m looking forward to seeing him get the opportunity. Another full time pre season will probably see him ready to make the step up.

[quote="PopTart":2p6s74uo]I think the same. Right now my team would be this 1 Jowitt 2 Russell M 3 Scott 4 Pratt 5 Johnstone 6 Trueman 7 Russell O 8 McMeekan 9 Hood 10 Atoni 11 Vagana 12 Storton 13 Pitts 14 Doyle 15 Uele 16 Rodwell 17 Niketemo Though I'm making an assumption about the new second row. Happy for Lino to be in the halves if he shows form and same with Griffin, Bain and Cozza[/quote:2p6s74uo] I was told that Matty Russell knew he was coming as back-up winger so fully expect Tom and Lachy to be our first choice wingers next season

[quote="FIL":26cle7i4]I was told that Matty Russell knew he was coming as back-up winger so fully expect Tom and Lachy to be our first choice wingers next season [/quote:26cle7i4] No one is backup at the beginning of the season. That's just fan talk. He's either capable of playing or he isn't. And if he is he gets a fair crack. And I think we'll find he's better but just my opinion.

Talking about 2025. One player I’m interested to see is Scott. I didn’t realise but he’s quite a tall and well built player by all accounts. Be interesting to see if he plays in second row or centre. He played better at second row for hull in the few games I watched him in 2024. I do think though he could be a signing that could turn out a positive surprise. Sometimes new clubs and challenges can really make players.