Lawford is a couple of seasons off imho. He’s looked possibly better than he is because we are a top team, and playing with Gale makes most players look good.

I think he has the talent but I can’t see the leadership just yer. I’m sure it will come with age and experience but I can’t see us running with him as first choice next season.

So the Aussie may be a good shout, even though I don’t suppose he’s much older than Lawford, but that’s typical of the NRL system.

Hawkins is 5 years older than Lawford with a lot more experience.

I think Lawford will be a great player but needs a bit of time. This year is a good year to develop him

Mills will definitely be identifying a 6 to replace Gale. Love us to go for someone like Hastings who is tried and tested over here though been dropped at the Knights.

I'd say the same about Harvey Smith as well. I'd keep using him as we are this season, but next year look to get him a game every week in the Championship and drip feed him the odd SL game. Then I'd be hoping he'd be the regular interchange hooker from 2026. All providing we go up of course, because if we don't we might struggle to keep hold.

Five years is a lot so ideal for Lawford to understudy.

I to rate Lawford, but he’s a studied HB imo not an instinct one if you know what I mean. They take more time usually to develop their leadership skills.

Article re Tom Johnstone https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... e-28890852

Article re Tom Johnstone https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... e-28890852

I think we all sort of knew this anyway ??... https://www.totalrl.com/wakefield-trini ... the-cards/

I think we all sort of knew this anyway ??... https://www.totalrl.com/wakefield-trini ... the-cards/

A rehash of an interview Ellis had with radio Leeds a few weeks back. SARL style.

In terms of recruitment for 2024. Second row will obviously be some area we will need to bring in some uk based players.

I was watching Oldham vs Rochdale this afternoon and the young second row George Hirst really stood out. At 22 he has a tall but solid frame, hits the line hard and has good leg drive too. Not short of a bit of pace either.

I wonder if Mills will be looking at players from L1 and Champ as well as SL who could improve us or have potential.

This lad showed some flashes that he could be a quality second row in a few years time.

Looks like the Russel rumours are true...... https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/r ... on-4603133

Looks like the Russel rumours are true...... https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/r ... on-4603133

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/r ... ns-4603582

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/r ... ns-4603582

If we ARE in SuperLeague next season and serious about being a top team, then I think we can do better than Russell

Quota will be full, halves are scarce, especially federation trained ones. It will be an evaluation not revolution.

I'd say the same about Corey Hall, Eseh, Aydin and George King, but there's plenty on here who have them all back.

I’d probably only have Eseh back to develop out of those. At least we aren’t in a position where we are desperate or need to make rash decisions on signings anymore and we can actually offer the players a more professional environment too which is good.

I firmly believe that all we need to add to challenge playoffs next season in SL (hopefully) are 6-7 quality players.

Mckmeeken
Johnstone

Would be very good additions indeed if they come to fruition. Our forward pack in very excited seeing how they will develop.

More importantly the rules are changing next year on tackle height. We need mobile engine players who can tackle well in line with that which I think we have.

If the rumours are true then we'll have Johnstone, McMeeken, Scott, Russell and Storton.

All the overseas players are tied down for two years with the exception of Uele. Him and Vagana are the two that impressed me most.

Got to say that I've been impressed how Olly Russell has matured over a fair period watching Shudds on tv.He leads by example and certainly gets heavily involved.Looks a good player,and if we are signing him I'm happy with that! He's a good goal kicker as well.

I quite like him. I'm more concerned by Lino at scrum half but he's another two years left after this.

Uele has an option of another year. Pretty sure it’s in clubs favour and I can only see us keeping him as he’s a player with a big engine.

I think our quota is sorted for next season. 6/7 good standard home based players is all that’s needed.

Personally out of those, I'd take Corey back first out of hose first.

Rewind back to the end the 2022, start of 2023 season, hed gone from from being a squad player to first choice centre, then moved on, against his will to a club who have a wealth of experience already in that team, to be moved on again.

Like someone said earlier, him and Pratt could have a long centre partnership

Oli Russel reminds me of when Powell signed Gale at Cas and we all know now that went, similar age, similar pedigree, both not setting the world alight but you can just tell there is a lot of potential in there in the way he plays. Powell picks his pivot players very well and I've got every confidence in him going after the right player.

For the first time ever we have a proper recruitment team in place, if Powell and Mills have identified him and want him, I'll back them on this one

As it stands we've too many quota players so one will need to leave. Uele is the only one not signed up but there's time for things to change.

Boothroyd and Bain will be at risk top I suspect, Bain we haven't seen and Boothroyd is injured long term so I can't see the club hanging onto these two over Uele if he keeps on impressing.

We are saying players are under contract, but we have no idea what those contracts look like, just like SL only contracts that void upon relegation, you can have a contract that only relates to playing in the championship, I know this for certain as I know a player that is currently with another club that has one..