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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

I met him at the Shareholder meeting.
First think I noticed was that he looks quite young but has Thor standard muscle size.
Mat was saying he's quite a sprinter too but the thing I most remember was when I shook his hand he nearly broke mine....and I'm not a small guy.

The key will be for our rehab team to keep him fit but if they do I think he'll be great for us.
He said he wants to play centre but is happy to play SR when called on.

That sounds very interesting and when I saw a couple of games at Hull he was a very strong runner.

Good to have competition for places.

Can we fast forward to pre season now