[PopTart]

Re: Squad numbers 2025 : Sat Oct 26, 2024 8:32 am  

The Avenger wrote:

I’m not sure about Walmsley at SL level, maybe controversial but I think he’ll struggle to make an impact.
This isn’t a dig at him because he’s done well during the season but I don’t see the level of physicality required for SL in him and while fast he’s not lightning quick.
After starting the season as first choice I can see Russell or Rourke replacing him not many rounds into the new season.
I genuinely hope I’m wrong because as I said, he’s been really good during our Championship campaign and seems a really nice, genuine fella/team mate.

I'd love him to do well but Walmsley wasnt even starting with in the championship, being kept out of the team by a player we didn't even decide to keep.
Doesn't bode well for him

Re: Squad numbers 2025 : Sat Oct 26, 2024 9:35 am  

Dr Dreadnought wrote:

I think Walmsley will get the starting wing spot with Russell being used as an insurance policy in case Lachlan doesn't make it in SL

Don't think Griffin will start that often, I guess it depends on how Niketemo settles into playing in England.
Cozza will probably be used in rotation with Pitts at LF
I think Lino will initially be the starting half next season, but will have to be a lot more consistent in his performance
Bain is the difficult one for me, he has clearly struggled for both form and fitness this season, you only have to look at some of his previous games especially for Scotland to realise that he's not really been the player we were hoping for. He has tried hard when selected, perhaps a bit too hard at times, a couple of times his frustration showed with silly penalties and sin binnings, Ste Mills in the recent podcast he took part in did say that we'd see a different Bain this season. I hope so, but if he can't get over his injuries, and the right Quota Player became available I would have no problems with the club releasing him from his contract. Even back to full fitness unless we have an injury crisis in the pack I don't see him as a starting player.

Tough on Bain, I think he went OK at times, and it was between him and Boothyroyd who didn't make the cut. Neither had much luck on the injury front.

Hopefully a good pre season behind him, and we may see an improvement. I would also like to see him get a go at 13, as I feel that would suit him better.

However, there is one person in the way of that though, in Jay Pitts

Re: Squad numbers 2025 : Sun Oct 27, 2024 10:26 am  

Cozza played for France yesterday against Wales

Re: Squad numbers 2025 : Sun Oct 27, 2024 10:36 am  

It was initially a big statement signing the top try scorer in the championship in Lachlan, though as poptart has referenced he couldn’t get in over Jerry or a player we’ve just not retained. It’s a decent step up in SL, with there being an abundance of quality wingers who if he doesn’t step up would make him look silly. It’s in his hands.

In regards to Bain, I would be looking at getting a better quality middle as he hardly set the world alight in the championship, abide he came back from an injury. See what happens.

Re: Squad numbers 2025 : Sun Oct 27, 2024 12:04 pm  

Pat Bateman wrote:

It was initially a big statement signing the top try scorer in the championship in Lachlan, though as poptart has referenced he couldn’t get in over Jerry or a player we’ve just not retained. It’s a decent step up in SL, with there being an abundance of quality wingers who if he doesn’t step up would make him look silly. It’s in his hands.

In regards to Bain, I would be looking at getting a better quality middle as he hardly set the world alight in the championship, abide he came back from an injury. See what happens.

I thought Bain was showing steady improvement when he strung some games together. He strikes me as a solid middle who is a strong defender. He does look like more of a 13 to me though and I expect to see Pitts, Bain and Cozza all fighting for that 13 spot. I’m sure Bain has a good pair of hands so we could use him linking up.

Walmsley I think will go fine in Superleague. He’d have had 60+ if he’d been left on the left wing.

Powell went on record to say that Olpherts wasn’t happy at being dropped for Wembley i think and then he ended up being shoehorned in for Walmsley despite Walmsley being by far top try scorer. I think that was more to do with the dressing room than Walmsley ability though.

Walmsley has improved in a few areas of his game. He carries well from backfield and eats up the yards. He has that ability to sniff out a try from almost anywhere too which some players just have. His defence is very good, don’t think he missed a single tackle all year I can recall. I have no issue with him being on the right wing next season and I do think he will go well for us there and deserves the chance.

Olpherts did well and credit to him but I always felt it was a bit harsh on Walmsley. The positive is that we found out Walmsley can offer good cover at full back.

Re: Squad numbers 2025 : Sun Oct 27, 2024 12:04 pm  

Pat Bateman wrote:

It was initially a big statement signing the top try scorer in the championship in Lachlan, though as poptart has referenced he couldn’t get in over Jerry or a player we’ve just not retained. It’s a decent step up in SL, with there being an abundance of quality wingers who if he doesn’t step up would make him look silly. It’s in his hands.

In regards to Bain, I would be looking at getting a better quality middle as he hardly set the world alight in the championship, abide he came back from an injury. See what happens.

I thought Bain was showing steady improvement when he strung some games together. He strikes me as a solid middle who is a strong defender. He does look like more of a 13 to me though and I expect to see Pitts, Bain and Cozza all fighting for that 13 spot. I’m sure Bain has a good pair of hands so we could use him linking up.

Walmsley I think will go fine in Superleague. He’d have had 60+ if he’d been left on the left wing.

Powell went on record to say that Olpherts wasn’t happy at being dropped for Wembley i think and then he ended up being shoehorned in for Walmsley despite Walmsley being by far top try scorer. I think that was more to do with the dressing room than Walmsley ability though.

Walmsley has improved in a few areas of his game. He carries well from backfield and eats up the yards. He has that ability to sniff out a try from almost anywhere too which some players just have. His defence is very good, don’t think he missed a single tackle all year I can recall. I have no issue with him being on the right wing next season and I do think he will go well for us there and deserves the chance.

Olpherts did well and credit to him but I always felt it was a bit harsh on Walmsley. The positive is that we found out Walmsley can offer good cover at full back.

[PopTart]

Re: Squad numbers 2025 : Sun Oct 27, 2024 12:37 pm  

There is no way Powell pick Olpherts over Walmsley for Wembley because he complained.
Anyone who has met Powell for 5 seconds would know he wouldn't do that.

Powell said he moved him to cover FB and clearly likes him but ultimately Olpherts gets us off our own line better.
That's why he played him.

Re: Squad numbers 2025 : Sun Oct 27, 2024 1:10 pm  

PopTart wrote:

There is no way Powell pick Olpherts over Walmsley for Wembley because he complained.
Anyone who has met Powell for 5 seconds would know he wouldn't do that.

Powell said he moved him to cover FB and clearly likes him but ultimately Olpherts gets us off our own line better.
That's why he played him.

I’m almost positive that Powell sor someone in interview said Olpherts wasn’t happy about being dropped for Wembley. Then the following game or so Walmsley didn’t appear again left wing. I’m putting two and two together but I accept that may not be the reason. It’s just what it looked like.

Powell also did say that Walmsley had improved that part of his game and was eating up 100+ metres in an interview in the weeks running up to play offs.

I don’t think it really matters though. I think Walmsley can make a good SL winger. I’m looking forward to seeing him get the opportunity. Another full time pre season will probably see him ready to make the step up.

Re: Squad numbers 2025 : Sun Oct 27, 2024 1:33 pm  

PopTart wrote:

I think the same. Right now my team would be this

1 Jowitt
2 Russell M
3 Scott
4 Pratt
5 Johnstone
6 Trueman
7 Russell O
8 McMeekan
9 Hood
10 Atoni
11 Vagana
12 Storton
13 Pitts

14 Doyle
15 Uele
16 Rodwell
17 Niketemo

Though I'm making an assumption about the new second row.
Happy for Lino to be in the halves if he shows form and same with Griffin, Bain and Cozza

I was told that Matty Russell knew he was coming as back-up winger so fully expect Tom and Lachy to be our first choice wingers next season

[PopTart]

Re: Squad numbers 2025 : Sun Oct 27, 2024 2:01 pm  

FIL wrote:

I was told that Matty Russell knew he was coming as back-up winger so fully expect Tom and Lachy to be our first choice wingers next season

No one is backup at the beginning of the season. That's just fan talk.
He's either capable of playing or he isn't. And if he is he gets a fair crack.
And I think we'll find he's better but just my opinion.