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

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.

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

Not sure if anybody has seen Frances line up this weekend just gone.

Cozza played at second row. Adds another option. I was quite impressed by Cozza after he returned. He looked in very good shape and a high level of fitness.

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/r ... in-4847870

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/r ... in-4847870

Resurrecting this thread with squad numbers being announced on Wednesday. How do you expect us to number up? My 2p:

1 Jowitt
2 Walmsley
3 Pratt
4 Hall
5 Johnstone
6 Trueman
7 Russell
8 Atoni
9 Hood
10 Rodwell
11 McMeeken
12 Vagana
13 Pitts
14 Doyle
15 Uele
16 Storton
17 Griffin
18 Rourke
19 Lino
20 Scott
21 Bain
22 M Russell
23 Cozza
24 Niketemo
25 Croft
26 Smith
27 Lawford
28 Booth
29 Delaney
30 Lingard

I'm not sure Walmsley, Hall or Hood will get 1-13. I recon Lino's numbers will add up to 7.

I'd put good money on MM being 8 and not a SR number.

What makes you say that

I also think mm will be used as prop. More need there as we have 4 decent 2nd row. In storton , vagana , seth and griffin

If you don't include the 1-13 from that list you can still make a pretty good starting 13. Not often we have that level of quality cover!

Why do some people have the right edge down as 2/3?

That’s always been left edge as long as I can remember.

Hall played well in right centre at Cas that I saw last season so can see him remaining on right and Pratt remaining on the left where he played almost every game.

I think Walmsley and Hall will make a good partnership personally..

Though I do think that’s close.

1. Jowitt
2. Johnstone
3. Pratt
4. Hall
5. Walmsley
6. Trueman
7. Russell
8. Mckmeeken
9. Hood
10. Atoni
11. Vagana
12. Storton
13. Pitts

14. Doyle
15. Rodwell
16. Uele
17. Niketemo

18. Griffin
19. Bain
20. Cozza
21. Scott
22. Russell
23. Roarke
24. Lawford
25. Lino
26. Booth
27. Smith
28. Croft
29. Lingard
30. Delaney

I can see Storton and Vagana starting SR with Nikotemo and Griffin bench impact second row.

Right edge is 3 and 2. In the modern game people play different positions but historically right wing is 2.

Think of Fletch scoring in the semi final on the right wing, wearing 2.
Or Neil Fox at left centre wearing 4.

I don't think it's logical but that's what it is

Although I like Hall, Scott is better on the right in my opinion.

I think Scott and Pratt will be our starting centres Hall will be back up alongside Croft. If we pick up injuries in the forwards Scott will move into the second row

But recent history it’s been 2 left edge. Johnstone has always had 2 and out left centre 3.

As we are talking about 2025 then 2 would be left wing like usual. Unless the club change it.

If it used to be that way then fine but that’s not how it appears to be now for trinity.

It’s just very odd and I usually think. Why would a left side player be put on the other wing etc.

Yet Liam Marshall, Matty Ashton and many others play on the left with 5 on their back. Many with 2. In a nutshell, it's not consistent but never mind.

As for McMeeken, I also think he'll start at prop, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll get number 8. Different coaches do it differently, but often they reward longer servants with 'starting' numbers, and give new signings a year in a higher number. That's the only reason I've got Atoni at 8 and Rodwell at 10, but I might well be wrong. I also hovered over Lino at number 7 for that reason but I have a feeling Olly Russell signed for us with promises that he'd get a starting shot at finally leading a team around. And I do think Walmsley will get 2 (or 5), but might be out of favour after a few games. That's one of the big questions this season, but I love that Mills and Powell have covered it.

Totally understandably, there's some good discussion above about what our starting 13 will be, but that might not necessarily be numbers 1-13. I think Hall will get 4, and Scott will get a subs number but might well be preferred when the season kicks off.

It’s always been that way!
It is logical if you think of it from the opposing team looking across the half way line and reading the numbers from their left to right

1
2345
67

The squad numbers don't necessarily equate to starting lineup.
There are other factors....line longevity at the club and player personal choice.

Think Tom will get the No.2 shirt.

Or...
[urlhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/rules_and_equipment/4215844.stm[/url