Re: Gale testimonial v Cas : Tue Jan 28, 2025 8:16 am  

Olpherts was picked over Walmsley for the semi and the final at the back end of last season despite Olpherts being told he was leaving. That made me wonder whether Powell had the same reservations. I expect Walmsley to start the season, and then it's down to him if he keeps the shirt or not.

Re: Gale testimonial v Cas : Tue Jan 28, 2025 8:41 am  

I wondered why Jacob and his family were back in England, they were at Luke Gale's testimonial game: https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/hu ... field-star

I wondered why Jacob and his family were back in England, they were at Luke Gale's testimonial game: https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/hu ... field-star

Re: Gale testimonial v Cas : Wed Jan 29, 2025 6:39 pm  

imwakefieldtillidie wrote:

Olpherts was picked over Walmsley for the semi and the final at the back end of last season despite Olpherts being told he was leaving. That made me wonder whether Powell had the same reservations. I expect Walmsley to start the season, and then it's down to him if he keeps the shirt or not.

Walmsley has looked decent in an outstanding team that slaughtered the Champs comp.
I just don't see him pulling up trees in SL, I'd be ecstatic to be proved wrong though.
He'll not be alone in the less trees pulled up stats tbf, but he in my mind shows the least promise of finding another gear.
I'd have given Olpherts the shirt if he was still with us and make walmsley fight for it.

Re: Gale testimonial v Cas : Wed Jan 29, 2025 8:13 pm  

Agree with all that, but I think that’s why we brought it Matty Russell. He was a straight swap for Olpherts really - does all the same things but slightly more consistent. I imagine Walmsley will start the season, and if he can’t hack the physicality then Russell will take his place. I’m with you though - I really want him to prove everyone wrong, he’s a really likeable character.