Anyone heard anymore of the random Brandon Wakeham rumour that appeared out of nowhere? Or was that someone just throwing his name in the hat because he's off contract?

I'm surprised Harrison is not mmentioned very much.

I said a while ago that we'd gone overboard on props - unless some more are to be moved on.

Don't like Ratch in the halves either.

I hope I proved wrong but I'm not keen on the balance of the squad.

Maybe he's got older guys in for a Couple of years by which time our youth will have been blooded and are able to step up.

We have plenty of young props in our Reserves and Academy who will come through over the next few years but we all know that props develop a bit later so by having these experienced guys for the next couple of seasons will be great for the young lads to learn from.

Also regarding back row we have Adam Holroyd who WILL be pushing for a regular spot next year after being named in the squad for the first time this week…he is some player!!!

I’m really excited about our future!

Do you think Holroyd will be in the 17 on Friday? I've heard he's quality.

Think you've signed Brandon Wakeham from Canterbury. He's followed Wire on Instagram.

Could be a reason why Longstaff is being allowed to look elsewhere?

We also need to fit Matty Nicholson into our team too.

Yes exactly, Currie, Holmes, Nicholson and potentially Holroyd.

Lots of pressure on Currie and Holmes to perform there, with McGure presumably first choice 13.

Maybe the thinking was that Longstaff being here would slow the progress of Holroyd and of the 3 (Holroyd, Nicholson & Longstaff) Holroyd and Nicholson are seen to have more potential.

Good. We need a scrum half.

Yes mate he is

Any other players to be aware of from the Academy ranks Walter who will be pressing for first team action in 2023?? Looks like we could do with some centre cover for the first team next year with only Mata'utia, King? and Minikin available - and I'm not a fan of Minikin if I'm honest, I feel his place should be filled by academy promotions.

Full Back, Wings, Half Back, Prop, Hooker Back Row we seem ok depth wise, Centre seems a bit light.

I think we are light in the half backs.

Steff (isn't a half back)
Williams.
Dean.

Back row we have enough for 2 teams.

My comment is based on numbers rather than quality and the fact Powell has labelled Stef as a half back, rather than my own perception. Add Hayes in to that list too presumably. I'd rather see Ratchford as a utility player covering absences rather than first choice anywhere, but depends whether we recruit (Wakeham?) another half.

I think Centre has the biggest question mark on it right now, King? Wardle? Neither? I think Powell see's Wrench more as a winger for now and I think the same on Minikin. We're a little light there and I'd rather not shift a backrower there, none we have are quick enough.

It's getting the balance right. An almost impossible task in our salary capped sport. You just cannot get the quality you want or need all over the park. It's really promising that we are seeing some exciting youngsters coming through. Our pack looks pretty solid for 2023.

Keeping Wardle is going to be very important, anybody heard anything? Wigan seem convinced they’ve signed him.

With regards to emerging talent, young Darbyshire is a very tough uncompromising centre, but I guess given his pedigree we shouldn`t expect any less. He is another youngster who is an exciting prospect.

Josh Lynch is a specialist winger who I think will nail down a 1st team jersey within the next 24 months too.

Mixed messages from our Wigan friends. My mate says they have but my cousin says they have not. Both season ticket holders. Given a choice I wouldn't mind the King / Wardle swap deal but from some accounts Toby is not exactly ripping up trees over there.

I asked the question on the Huddersfield board - it wasn't exactly a glowing reference on King!

Can`t see Powell accepting Toby King back to Wire, even if Wardle does go to Wigan.

King will be loaned out to another club/clubs, until his contract with us expires.

With regards to Wardle to Wigan, I would expect Huddersfield to demand a hefty transfer fee for him, and Wigan don`t usually pay transfer fees,.................but Warrington do.

King has played pretty well tonight so you never know.

Hopefully it will improve his chances of staying on at Huddersfield then.

Powell said the situation for them both will be reviewed at the end of the season. So i don't think it's set in stone with Wardle.......but again unless you have direct knowledge of his contract it's all speculation.

There are quite a few excellent 'prospects' coming through but I wouldn't like to put too much pressure on them at such a young age...Centre wise Jack Darbyshire, son of Paul, has been very good these past couple of months and will hopefully get a first team game in the near future, also Jake Thewlis (Josh's brother); obviously Leon Hayes and Adam Holroyd stand out...we have a few young props that will hopefully develop over the next year or two and claim a place like Luke Thomas has done...likewise we have some excellent back rowers coming through and a winger or two!

On a personal note, I am excited to see my nephew playing at half back in the Academy (and Reserves) and hopefully he can come through (he will still be Academy next season).

This is my 13th season in the job and it has honestly been one of my most enjoyable; the coaches we have in place now are first class.

Jamie Redecliffe (Prop) has always stood out when I’ve watched them. Think he has a big future.

Like Edwards you mean?
If it’s not in writing…!