He’s been to the barbers since these pictures were released based on the recent friendly.

1Great, another young player who has come from a good background and foundations. It seems to be the way we are picking these players from down under, that I really like. They really assess them from top to bottom before making a move it seems, to make sure they can fit into our environment and grow with the team in the next few years, like Vangana and Uele etc. You can tell we're after a certain type of player, not just someone with games under their belts and a name. I like what we're doing and so far the pack looks very well equipped.

How many would we be able to keep if/when we go back up? Are we near, at or over the limit as yet?

I thought we signed Lineham quite a bit in advance?

7 in SL.
Atm we have Atoni, Lino, Walmsley, Uele, Vagana, Bothroyd & Bain so 7, same as if we were in SL.

Personally, from what I've seen so far I can see us keeping Atoni (2 year deal), Vagana (he's signed for 2 years), Uele (signed for one year with an option for a second) for next year. Obviously, we'll see how they all go this year and there will be some hard calls to make as the season goes on and we start looking to 2025. Who we're gonna bring in that's of better quality is the thing, and who's gonna have to make room. I tried to see who out of the new guys from down under were signed for longer than a year and Atoni, Vagana were the only ones I could find for defo but Uele as that 2nd year option, don't know if it's with us or him, probably the club at a guess.

It's gonna be really tricky with the likes of Rodwell potentially signed up as well. Hopefully, we can get the likes of Johnstone, Mike McMeeken and Olly Russell over next year because apart from being class, they're English and that'll be the key, probably more so getting quality British and French players. we've got an ageing back row and I'm not sure how long Pitts and Ashurst have got at their high standards.

I like Walmsley and Bothroyd and I think they'd do well in SL, and we haven't even seen Bain. It's sure is gonna be cutthroat with us wanting to mount a threat to SL off the bat and we know getting those 7 places filled with quality is essential, so I wouldn't want to be in DP's shoes if we have a successful season this year and have to let good players go.

We also have Cozza & Franco too,not forgetting Bain, who is yet to feature

Will be some tough calls to make

Cozza and Franco are French so don't count on the 7 man SL quota. I like Cozza, he looks like he would make a good back-row replacement for me moving forward to next year.
If we get Johnston back and say keep Walmsley, who tbh has really impressed me with his passing skills and willingness just to get off his wing and look for work when the ball hasn't been going down his side much. He passes from both sides really well when he's been at acting half-back or in the line, the dude can pass the ball both ways accurately with some zip on them and distance when necessary, which has surprised me over the last few games because you don't always get that with wingers tbf.

defo some big calls DP is gonna have to make moving forward if we play like we have over the next season.

Bain plays for Scotland so will he count?

Pretty sure Cozza doesn’t play back row. He’s a prop or 13 and has played well in those positions pre season. He will continue to operate there I would think. I do think he is a player who could do a good job at SL level.

To be honest I think the likes of Vagana, Uele if they keep progressing could very well be good SL forwards.

I’d be happy to only add 4/5 quality English players for next season and build from there.

If we are looking at players such as TJ and Mckmeeken we will be fine.

There’s a lot of rugby to be played and im sure the players will prove their worth.

Ky Rodwell playing for Parramatta v Canberra pre season friendly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4-jXz-LpBU

Ky Rodwell playing for Parramatta v Canberra pre season friendly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4-jXz-LpBU

I know he doesn't currently play there but as I said I think he could make a good back-row replacement. He's a good versatile player and our back row is coming towards the end of their careers, he could probably make the move there IMO. Personally, I think he's a little undersized to be an SL prop but what do I know, he's got the attributes to play there. He's a hard-working player, got good defence, and runs some decent lines to be a decent back rower. Was just an Idea with us potentially signing Rodwell and I'd probably like to keep him. Getting decent British/French players is getting harder and harder. A lot depends on Pitts and Ashurst for next season and their plans tbh.

Like I've already said, I think we've got the start of an exciting pack/team that we've somehow put together, Vagana and Uele especially excite me and could be potential top players in SL, plus the older heads of Bowden & Atoni make a really good Prop rotation. Then add in the British players like Doyle who looks like a future star, along with young Harvey Smith and we're well covered at Hooker. I also love how Croft and Pratt have come along, plus the addition of Thornley. I'm also looking forward to seeing how young Lawford progresses. It's all exciting for the upcoming season, which I haven't said for about 5 or 6 years.

Doesn't matter mate, he played his junior rugby down under, the same as Walmsley, so counts on the cap in SL. It's all about where they grew up and played their junior Rugby.

If we want to hit the ground running on our return to the big time ,these are exactly the type of overseas players we want , young and hungry and wanting to make a name for themselves . The overseas selections will sort themselves out I’m sure in the coming months who’s stopping and who’s going , no room for sentiment I’m afraid it’s a cut throat business ,and it’s tough at the top . I’ll admit I was exited when Proctor signed ,but it quickly turned into an expensive nightmare and even if HKR and Leigh haven’t learned the lessons of bringing battered old Aussies over who want nothing more that to travel Europe and top up their pensions ,it’s looking like we are going down another route at this moment in time .

Ky Rodwell hasn't been selected to play in this weekend's pre season game against the Gold Coast Titans

Not Trinity related but both Kai Pearce Paul and Will Pryce are included in the Newcastle Knights squad

Interesting, I know his current side was not sure about letting him go early as he's a top 30 player, so it depends if they see an opportunity to get someone off cap and strengthen elsewhere or along that line. Tbh we don't really need him this year, but it also would be good to get him over here and establish a relationship now before any move to SL, that is of course if all things go to plan this season.
He could forge relationships on and off the field while we're in the Championship, that's also easier to do in a winning team where everybody's got the same aims and aspirations and basically a bit less stress and eyes on you at this level. Aussies don't always hit the ground running in the first season of SL, this would be a good introduction if it comes off for everyone involved.

We'll see what happens.