There's Bain still though isn't there. He hasn't played a game yet, so when he does come back, he will have to look good, which will be hard after the amount of time off he's had. It'll be interesting to see what DP does with those 2 because IMO Bothroyd has had a chance to show that he's a decent player for us before his injury.

Bain signed for 2 years so is here by all accounts for next season. Hopefully he shows up well.

Probably just a random SARL post but the Lachlan Llias has asked for a release from his club with them signing Dodd.

If there’s a quality halfback available we should probably keep an eye out.

I do like the look of Boothroyd and he is certainly a very solid player. We are stacked at prop but he may get some more opportunities in second row when he’s fit.

Hopefully we get to see Bain soon and see what he’s about and what he can offer the team.

Why would we need his spot for a stand off. More than likely Russell is replacing luke gale so unless Lino leaves we ain't bringing in another quota player as a half.

We have 3 half back plus Gale if he goes round again. Jowitt can also play half and Russel (Matty) could go to full back.

All those things 'can' happen. But if we really want to be top half of Super League we need to be looking for a top half of super league half back. Not a fullback who 'can' play stand off or a 36 year old.

Agree our 6 and 9 are way past S L If we come up against teams in the Championship with a 6,7 or 9 with pace they struggle

Suspect Powell will go with Lino and Russell in SL, barring a leftfield signing like Abdull. Powell himself admits Gale won't play quite a few games this year just for preservation, and while that's smart it's not viable in Super League (and not great value). And I'd be amazed if we cut Lino's contract to make space.

Jowitt's a good half but a brilliant fullback - wouldn't play him at half unless we're decimated by injury, would sooner play Lawford, Brough or even Kay there. The idea of playing Matty Russell at fullback is madness. The days of wingers dropping to fullback is coming to an end. Totally different skillset. Your fullback should be your most skilful player with ball in hand, able to dig into the line and select the smart pass. I've never seen Matty Russell throw a good pass.

Russell started his career as a fullback and played plenty of games there.

He knows the position so that’s not a concern for me.

The issue with Russell is as you say his lack of passing game.

He’s an old school fullback. His strength is his carry and kick return, he is not a creative fullback in the more modern interpretation of the position.

He could cover there if needed same on the wing but he’s not a starter in either position for me if he signs.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... 5-29091409 Nothing we haven't already heard.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... 5-29091409 Nothing we haven't already heard.

I think Walmsley would do a better job as fullback cover. From what I have seen this season he has got a good rugby brain and can throw a nice pass and produce a good in field kick

Tbh, I can see us cutting Linos contract or offloading him some how to make room on the quota. We have the money to do it and he's already showed he's not up to scratch at SL level and if I'm honest I haven't been overly impressed with him in the championship either. It would be a big mistake to go into next season with Lino as our number 7 expecting to be in the top half of the table come the end of the season.

Oh and btw, Matty Russell is a fullback by trade, I remember watching him play in the Wigan youth team, I think it's only through lack of opportunity that he ended up on the wing and it stuck like many players.

While I get what you’re saying the right thing to say was that he was a full back by trade in his early days. He’s very much a winger and stuck like you say. Perhaps he could fill in the odd game at fb if needed.

He last played full back in 2017 a couple of games but did play a string of games prior years at FB.

The full back role has massively changed and evolved now into my opinion the singular most important role in the sport.

It’s such a more attacking position now that is critical to plays and requires such a diverse skill set. I’m glad we have Jowitt who over the next 5-7 years is going to start hitting his best years 28-33 or so imo for full backs.

I still believe Jowitt in a couple of years could be running out for England. He won’t be far off. Other than Welsby there’s not much competition.

Player announcement imminent?

Mckmeeken 4 year deal