So not much between them in the try scoring yet Olpherts gets more yards from back field? I agree.

I'm told that both Russell's have signed for next season and that Matty knows he is only coming as back up

Pretty sure he will fight for a spot, he covers full back and wing

Indeed. But that's not what FIL said.

It will be similar to Olpherts coming in this season, he would have known that he was coming as back-up to Walmsley and Jerry but has obviously had the opportunity to play more games due to Jerry's injuries.
I am sure that Russell will get his opportunities next season if Tom or Lachy get injured

The difference being you should be looking to play better not wait for an injury.
That's what Olpherts has done and I'm sure Russell will aim to do the same.
Walmesley is by no means guaranteed a place on his form.

I really hope there is no truth in the Russell rumour.

He has a half decent carry and that’s it.

He has poor hands and the main benefit of him coming will be the night time economy of the city as he’s rarely out of the boozer.

Russell's better than Walmsley. He'll start on the right in my opinion.

Don't really get this negativity about Walmsley.
He lost his place through no fault of his ownand had still managed to score tries despite playing out of position.
I'm not knocking olpherts but walmsley would have eaten the tries olpherts has scored.
He has certainly not lost his fformjust has a different style to olpherts but is just asprolific at scoring tries .

I don't think there is any negativity towards Walmsley. Johnstone will be on the left next season, and Powell has always liked a strong right winger to help with the carries (Carney, McGillvary, Olpherts). I think everyone would agree that he's probably the weakest of the three this year for carries, so he either needs to improve that side of his game or accept he's back up to Johnstone. The fact he's on the right again today makes shows that Powell probably feels the same and his giving him chance to prove himself there.

I think Walmsley carries very well. He regularly carries 2/3 players forward and makes post contact carries. Walmsley hasn’t hit any poor form, he’s playing well still and would have eaten every one of the tries on the left if the opportunity was there.

That said if he’s going to be on the right next season then I’m fine with him getting used to playing there. He was good on the right today and constantly shut Taufua down on kicks.

Someone said Russell is better but I don’t see it. I’d much rather have Walmsley on the wing and Russell will be experienced cover if he comes.

True. And won't take a quota spot.

Last winger from my perspective that deserved a quota spot on SL was Pat Richards...

Think you are massively devaluing the wing spot. Most coaches are now starting to view it as the most important position outside the spine.

Gone are the days of just putting the ball over the line.

Wingers are now responsible for getting the sets going with their first carries out if the back field. If they win contact and get a quick play the ball a team should generally win the arm wrestle in that set. I think that is the issue with Walmsley. Whilst he is a good finisher I’m not sure his carry is at the required level yet.

Players like Abbas Miski these days are a great asset to a team. Great carry and can finish.

Is he chuff, you really have no eye for talent imho.