Oli Russell

Well, it`s definitely one of the Russell's.

Interesting on a quick search on google, Oli Russell won the Hudds "Wagstaff trophy" last year, which is voted for by fans and is described as the player they would least like to leave the club. No doubt he will now be rubbish and they won`t be bothered...

Bang on

But not for 2024? Wonder if we really are that short we can't name a 21 mam squad.

The Harvey Smith situation (withdrawn from England Academy squad) seems to say we are that short, Doyle must have picked up a injury.

The Harvey Smith situation (withdrawn from England Academy squad) seems to say we are that short, Doyle must have picked up a injury.

I read somewhere that it was Doyle's birthday today. Probably gonna get blathered tonight?

Interesting interview with Ste Mills on YouTube he said that some of the rumours around aren't to be believed, that we have 4-5 more players to be announced as well as some more contract extensions, he also said he was working on a couple of projects

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... e-29464424

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... e-29464424

I'd have kept Bowden. I thought he was older but at 32 he's still got good years but maybe he doesn't want the full on SL gig and Donny will extend his career.

Good luck to him.

As far as I recall he has been training to be an electrician, and has set up his own business which has probably influenced his decision. He has been Good for us this season, gone about his work quietly whilst others in the pack have grabbed the headlines. Wish him well at the Dons

Good luck to him. He's quietly gone about his business but is the cornerstone of our pack.

He’s been very solid and professional whilst at Trinity and is playing his part in a successful season in the pack. Happy to cheer him on for rest of this season while he’s with us.

Wish him all the best. Had maybe the best season of his career as a result of hard work in pre-season. But I’m not too sad to see him move on to the next chapter - we’re clearly aiming very high now.

Reading between the lines, I get a feeling negotiations for extensions are happening right now. Of the old-stagers, who would you keep? Unless anything’s changed it looks like Gale’s retiring, Thornley’s off to play part time, Bowden to Doncaster.

From what I’ve seen, I can’t see Franco (played quite poorly, regular in the reserves, Olpherts brought in) or Croft (we’ve signed two centres) staying.

The big unknowns for me are Ashurst, Kay and Pitts. We all rate players differently, but for me the only decent SL player there is Pitts. Ashurst is still class, I just don’t know if he’d worry any SL team. And I rate Kay’s utility value, but can you really see him jumping in at 6 against Saints next year?

The two old-stagers I’d love to keep are McGillvary and Griffin. They’ve made the Championship look like men against boys at times, and I reckon if kept fit they could still cause havoc against top teams.

Then there’s Cozza, who could be a good squad player if we don’t bring in any more middles.

Wish him all the best. Had maybe the best season of his career as a result of hard work in pre-season. But I’m not too sad to see him move on to the next chapter - we’re clearly aiming very high now.

Reading between the lines, I get a feeling negotiations for extensions are happening right now. Of the old-stagers, who would you keep? Unless anything’s changed it looks like Gale’s retiring, Thornley’s off to play part time, Bowden to Doncaster.

From what I’ve seen, I can’t see Franco (played quite poorly, regular in the reserves, Olpherts brought in) or Croft (we’ve signed two centres) staying.

The big unknowns for me are Ashurst, Kay and Pitts. We all rate players differently, but for me the only decent SL player there is Pitts. Ashurst is still class, I just don’t know if he’d worry any SL team. And I rate Kay’s utility value, but can you really see him jumping in at 6 against Saints next year?

The two old-stagers I’d love to keep are McGillvary and Griffin. They’ve made the Championship look like men against boys at times, and I reckon if kept fit they could still cause havoc against top teams.

Then there’s Cozza, who could be a good squad player if we don’t bring in any more middles.

Kay is already signed for next year.
McGillvray has said he's likely to retire
Gale has said he'd go again if not injured even if he is second choice.

Griffin I'd say yes but he hasn't got long. We need other backrowers to support him.

Jerry wont be staying, poor lad looks like he's falling apart held together by a load of strapping but he's still giving it his all, Wouldn't want to keep Ashurst, just dont think he's up to SL level anymore, sad to say it because he's been a massive servant to the club and will be remembered for a long time.

One player I would keep is Pitts, gets through absolutely loads of work in attack and defence, you can see him in the attacking line calling plays and sorting our shape out, feels like a leader for us

Here’s my thoughts - though I think all are doing a great job this season and that should be recognised.

Keep

Pitts - I’d keep as an interchange/rotation 13 and back up experienced SR. I wouldn’t expect him to play as many games.

Hood - been good this year and I’d give him another season next year to help the development further of Doyle/Smith but expect him to rotate more next season with those two in a transition of sorts.

Booth - I think PT said he may be signed but he can play wing, Fb and centre and looks to have potential and speed.

Kay - I think I’d keep him as a squad player due to his utility value in a few positions.

Croft - solid centre and would keep as a squad player.

Undecided …

Griffin - I’m 50/50. I feel the new tackle techniques may make it hard for second rows been stretched to tackle low and I think Griffin may struggle with this. But he could be a good option as an interchange SR for the season and come on around 50 minute mark for some big runs.

Other…

Jerry - think he came back too early for Wembley as he’s had his arm strapped since but probably playing through it but expect him to retire.

Ashurst - Very professional solid second row. He’s got more time left at top championship level but I think we need to find the next Ashurst. Big boots to fill.

Olpherts - been good for us but another like above who would likely stay at top championship level.

Franco - Think championship is his level imo.

Shaw - not seen enough of him but see above.

Law - not seen enough of him but he’s been around a few years and can’t seem to break through.

Thornley - like him as a player but with games missed probably look at other options but he’s been good when he’s played.

Bowden - think he’s got a few years at championship level but think we couple look for a young up coming prop.

Think we are getting carried away with how good our team is,The main reason why we are going well in the Championship is more down to been full time than the rugby we are playing yet we have fans who want to go back up to S L with players who were way to old and way past there best last season in S L you could not make it up Plus the young players in the key posions are not S L standed yet

I broadly agree. Though I do think there needs to be a handful for next season who will help the transition till the required targeted players are available who the owner wants.

That’s why I was probably a bit more ruthless in the ones I wouldn’t keep and only come up with 4/5. That said, and this is a sticking point….

Ther players we bring in MUST be better than those we don’t retain. For continual improvement.

Just again to add, the players as a squad are doing a fantastic job this season and being very committed and professional no matter what their contract situation. That’s testament to both club and players and a lot of the players who won’t be with us will likely get good contracts for their performances at other clubs should they wish.

agree with all of your sentiments - Bowden I think may have signed for Donny, boothroyd doesn’t merit an overseas berth , pitts of the old guard is the one player who merits another year, griffin probably, olpherts for me over Croft. Realistically with 2 Aussie berths left we do need to keep 4 or 5 of the unsigned squad,

Do we loan the likes of Shaw , Croft, Law out to Hunslet to keep them match fit next season as I don’t see them getting a starting birth ,just not up to it at present Imo . Definitely Pitt’s and Griffin , Thornley seems to be on the Physio bench more than the field so it’s a no from me . Olpherts is a durable player as is hood and are keeps for me . Gale has a wealth of craft and guile and would keep him fit in case of a calamity but get him involved off field with our new half back partnership ,he’s probably forgot more than they know collectively and will be a tremendous asset around the club as he’s always got plenty to say .

You look at our 17 for next year and I do actually think it'd compete well in Super League:

Jowitt
Johnstone
Scott
Pratt
Walmsley/Olpherts
Russell
Lino
Atoni
Hood
McMeeken
Storton
Pitts
Rodwell

Doyle
Uele
Vagana
Bain

But as a general rule a coach will have a squad of 30-34, essentially with a reserves team to pick from - as Wigan, Hull KR, Catalans all do. And our backup 'squad' at the moment looks like:

Booth
Walmsley/Olpherts
Law
Hall
?
Lawford
Shaw
Smith
?
Boothroyd
?
Kay

So there are obviously some gaps to fill. And if we recruit brilliant players then some of that starting squad will drop into the reserves. I'd personally like to see us recruit a world-beating second rower to fill that gap that Ashurst will leave. The fact I can say that is crazy considering where we were a year ago.

For what it's worth, I'd also sign up Pitts, Hood, and Griffin as transition players, as you say Trojan. But the ones we disagree on are Law, Shaw (I'd keep them and give them another year in development) and Croft. Think Croft's a perfectly adequate stand in at Championship level but centres are supposed to be a running threat and be able to jam people in defence. I don't think I've ever seen him do either, and he's had 5 years.

You look at our 17 for next year and I do actually think it'd compete well in Super League:

Jowitt
Johnstone
Scott
Pratt
Walmsley/Olpherts
Russell
Lino
Atoni
Hood
McMeeken
Storton
Pitts
Rodwell

Doyle
Uele
Vagana
Bain

But as a general rule a coach will have a squad of 30-34, essentially with a reserves team to pick from - as Wigan, Hull KR, Catalans all do. And our backup 'squad' at the moment looks like:

Booth
Walmsley/Olpherts
Law
Hall
?
Lawford
Shaw
Smith
?
Boothroyd
?
Kay

So there are obviously some gaps to fill. And if we recruit brilliant players then some of that starting squad will drop into the reserves. I'd personally like to see us recruit a world-beating second rower to fill that gap that Ashurst will leave. The fact I can say that is crazy considering where we were a year ago.

For what it's worth, I'd also sign up Pitts, Hood, and Griffin as transition players, as you say Trojan. But the ones we disagree on are Law, Shaw (I'd keep them and give them another year in development) and Croft. Think Croft's a perfectly adequate stand in at Championship level but centres are supposed to be a running threat and be able to jam people in defence. I don't think I've ever seen him do either, and he's had 5 years.

Just think Shaw and Law have been in full time training for a few years and haven’t really managed to get hardly any first team game time.

Ultimately the club has already let players know.

Just a thought but is there any young lads who look like they could step up to first team in 2025?