That’s good then cheers mate.

Bit of a Rumours/Looking forward to 2025 post. If reports are correct this could be our side in SL:

Jowitt (2026) Best player in the Championship IMO
Walmsley (2025) Got some bulking up to do but should be SL quality
Thornley (2025)
Pratt (2026)
Johnstone (TBA) According to non-bull news sources it's all agreed
Lino (2026)
?
Atoni (2025) Our Tom Amone - never seen a player improve so much after one pre-season
Hood (off contract) Just realised he's only 32. We have two other decent hookers, but he's still the best of the three IMO
McMeeken (TBA) Same as Johnstone apparently
Griffin (off contract) Still an SL player
Vagana (2025) Unless he moves to a bigger club
Rodwell (2025) Obviously can't know whether he'd get the 13 shirt over Pitts, but I've got high hopes

Smith (?) Not sure on his contract length but destined for SL
Uele (option for 2025) Been pleasantly surprised by his technical ability. Thought he was going to be a steamroller but he's much better than that.
Bowden (off contract) Massively improved too, but don't know if it's just because of the opposition we've had so far
Pitts (off contract)

Lawford (2026) No doubt he'll turn out to be a class player and will hopefully get our 7 shirt eventually, but a year of him being in and out of an SL team, learning from an experienced half would do him no harm, similar to Mikey Lewis' development.
Kay (2025)
Doyle (off contract) Will be earning it this season but you get the impression Powell likes him
Boothroyd (off contract) Feels like him and Bain will be duking it out for the last overseas quote spot next year. Which is a shame with his injury.
Bain (2025)
Cozza (2025) Steady player but good enough for the squad
Shaw (off contract) Looking forward to seeing him play more this year
Law (2025) Same as above when given the chance

Above assumes Ashurst and Gale will retire.
If all goes well I could see us retaining Olpherts.
I expect Croft and Franco to drop out of Powell's plans but let's see.
Obviously the big question is who we can get in to organise the team.

What do you reckon? All debate welcome!

I've heard Oli Russel has signed for next year but I don't think he will be a starting half. I'd like to see us use a marquee spot for a really quality 7 and I think the only place for that at this moment in time will be Aus, I'm sure Mills is already looking and I wouldn't be surprised if he was already having conversations.

Vagana is clearly more a prop than SR on the showings we have seen. I expect he will play as prop.

I'd have to agree. But if Ashurst retires and Boothroyd doesn't make the cut, we're a natural second row short.

Tough one Russell. I like him, he's an all rounder but he's not quite where (and I can't believe I'm saying this) I'd like us to be aiming the next few years. Only issue with looking in Aus is that it'd almost definitely mean losing another quota player to make way. No doubt Mills will be looking already - hope he's got Jackson Hastings' number.

We will just recruit a second rower then I suspect - not sure if Storton who’s rumoured is a second row.

I expect Pitts, Ashurst and Griffin are possibly in their final year but we will see.

A lot can change over the season for sure.

For me if we are looking at Russel I’d just as happily see Lawford given the opportunity. Can only imagine Lawford will be ready come a full year of full time training and learning from Gale and full time coaching. I can certainly see the case for a top class marquee half though.

Trinity allegedly interested in centre Cameron Scott at Hull FC…

Already discussed in two earlier threads. Is his agent in touch with you guys?

Oh yes - I'd like a bit of Jackson Hastings down at Belle Vue. He is our type of player.

Dean Hawkins NSW cup outstanding performer winner of 2023 and halfback is looking at SL for 2025.

He’s a halfback and has forced his way into a start in NRL this weekend. Though I’d be happy for us to develop Lawford so he’s ready for next season.

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.