Murphy just the once against Broncos as full back when Greg Eden took sick. He played very well too - especially in defense with 2 try savings tackles. Nathan Brown make special mention of his good performance post match in TBH a rather poor Giants overall team performance. Many folks thought he might have kept place for saints game for his defence, but Eden is looking great at the moment. An odd error here and there each week but many more positives than negatives.

FWIW I think it will be a bruiser, and with so many ex-players on both sides (nearly a full teams worth) lots of guys will have lots to prove to former employers and oppositions mates. Might become a bit of a penalyt-fest, which would suit you guys, as we are far the more superior and skillful team....

Enjoy.

If you give Murphy some run outs you'll see what quality he is. Very dependable and solid player, will not let you down. I was sad to see him leave Belle Vue.

Indeed. Would have him back in a shot.

Can't say i'm now that bothered he's gone although at the time I was. Seems like a decent lad who'll always give 100% and was one of our own but think his stock has been somewhat exaggerated probably because we had little else to cling to in last 12-18 months

Great to see Walshaw, Trout and Wildie in there. So much for Agar not giving youth a chance.

I agree with this.
Murph was a 100% player, never shirked and always gave a solid performance, especially the games where he played full back. However, I dont think he will ever be a superstar.
Luke George may be the opposite. He played well in some games and seemed prone to errors in others, but he has genuine pace and the size to cause problems as a winger.
He bulked up a little last season and if he stays injury free he will go well this season.
Lets hope that they dont come back and haunt us tomorrow.
Come on Trin.

Couldn't agree more.

Murphy's real value lay in the fact that he joined the club at 16 and came up through the ranks. As a player he is steady, rugged and reliable but he is not a star player.

George on the other hand may be a touch fragile and sometimes looked like a rabbit in the headlamps - but when he got it right he had genuine wow factor. Very fast and balanced and a joy to watch when given some ball and space. Ironically something he may well of got far more of in this new set up.

Personally I don't think either will be International class but hey I may be wrong. Both will do well but George is the one I'd have back because he has some real class even if he lacks the ticker to make the very top IMHO.

The other important thing that figures is that players will often give that little bit extra -probably without even realising it- when they play for their hometown club. Yes they are professionals etc etc, but I imagine there is just that little bit more adrenaline in playing for the team you supported as a kid. Case in point is Paul Reilly- an absolute legend at hudds, played with his heart on his sleeve, but never really performed when he left as the desire he felt for the club he played for had gone.

Trout and Wildie to miss out, walshaw on bench

If Ellis or Motu T were chosen for the first team, they would be nowhere near match fit - they aren't getting games in the U20's either