I heard that both Eseh and Windrow were due to play but both picked up knocks in training and that 5 others were absent due to Covid protocols ??

Thanks

I'll be giving that one a miss.

Some really pleasing performances and some interest points to come out if it.

We look like we will be playing a much more expansive style with the lads given free range to play with their eyes up.

Tough to judge where the pack is as they were up against one of the top packs in the league I suspect next year.

A little bit clunky but that’s to be expected.

The young edges went well and look like very athletic outside backs could probably do with bulking up but that will come with time and patience.

Regards the trialing players, Minns I thought went ok showed potential and probably did enough to maybe justify a deal.

Davetanivalu I think is an interesting one and it is all about how we manage him and if we are willing to take a risk in him given his status as an overseas player and our finances. To me he showed some real potential despite the couple of errors he came up with. Very solid build and genuine acceleration but also very green, again as you’d expect.

He’d start the season as 4th choice winger but I feel with game time he could go very well, can we afford to give him the time though?

Also nice to see our captain for the day carrying on from where he left off last season with some big hits and bell ringers .You can really see what a few years and some muscle mass does to the players as regards resilience , as leeds were certainly putting it about, especially Tetevano ,who I predict will spend plenty of time on the side lines if he doesn’t get his tackling technique sorted pronto.Our young lads whilst never taking a backwards step in the game and showing up really well , need protecting imo and drip feeding into games when and if they get their chance ,as it’s a huge step up from the under 19s to first team in physicality of the game . People are moaning about our squad even before a ball is kicked ,well from where I’m sat poaching has assembled a good squad with plenty of depth and after watching against Leeds especially in the first half went toe to toe with a far superior and stronger squad , and held their own . I’m full of confidence for the up coming season knowing who we have as regular 1-17 alongside a very good mix of youth and fringe players ,Bring it on .

I’d say we have 23ish players who’d get a gig in most teams. Supporting that are a further 10 players at various points in their development. What matters though is not the quantity but the quality.

Some played better than others and one or two got caught out once or twice but nobody looked out of place, nobody. Some were clearly not ready but all looked like they would be eventually. Doesn’t happen often when every youngster looks capable of the step up.

That doesn’t mean they all will but it does show the way we produce youngsters has improved dramatically.

In the final analysis there wasn’t a youngster in that lot who couldn’t at least cover for a game or two. That’s real squad strength.

I also think there is money left in the coffers should we need a further signing or two. So over all we are not in such a bad way as the doom mongers would have us believe.

My prediction. Slow start and lots of panic on here. A mid season purple patch. Then up to the players and Lady Luck.

I'd like a win early doors to settle nerves, I don't want to be looking ahead to where the the first win will come from. Then steadily grow into the season picking up results along the way.
I would like it to be a season where we look forward and not spend the year looking over our shoulder.

I think the reserves and U18s playing alternate weeks will leave us much better prepared for the inevitable injuries throughout the season. Keeping them in house makes them more visible to the coaching team and available at short notice. A good mechanism for players wanting to move up to first team. Also, plenty more matches for season ticket holders to access.

I'd take a mid table position at the end of the season, with some wander tries from TJ - and hopefully another contract? some progress from the promising youngsters and of course progress on the stadium!
I just hope the 'fans' give Willie a chance because there will be dark times I feel and some will be quick to pounce on him!

i am worried here as well , if we can hit the ground running and beat Hull FC at home first game of season - that would be ideal get the crowd support involved for games to come ,,,,,

i am worried here as well , if we can hit the ground running and beat Hull FC at home first game of season - that would be ideal get the crowd support involved for games to come ,,,,,

Here we go…

Only thing is we're not forced to hit the ground running!
It takes time for new players and a new coach to work together.
Why you're worried before the season has started I don't know? Relax, take any pressure off yourself and more importantly the team and coach. Don't forget we gave Hull a thrashing late last season -they aren't coming to Wakefield to roll over!

Everyone likes to get a good start but it’s not essential.

There's a surprise....
Thought we'd done well over Christmas.....