For those Wire fans that are season ticket holders, the game is free entry, but you must obtain your free tickets before Friday.

This is the part I'm a little surprised (and disappointed) about but we'll wait and see. Clean slate etc.

Only gave me the option to get a free adult ticket, despite having a family ticket so didn't bother in the end.

I'm not bothering myself. I can't sit in the plastic seats & the south stand isn't open.

I'm worried that Russell will get the nod ahead of Thewlis next week. Nothing against Matty but I can't see how not playing Thewlis is a good thing, even if he's a far better full-back than winger. Welsby was pretty average on the wing, but Saints stuck with him just to give him first-team exposure ready for when he could take over in his best position.

Indeed. Thewlis seems to have done ok tonight

young lads played well. Good game.

Oh god I hope not. I'd seriously question the logic of playing Russell over Thewlis. If Russell comes in to the fold because of injury and does well to keep his shirt that's a different matter, but if he's first choice from the off I'd be really disappointed.

The kids played well, but ran out of steam towards the end and just about held-on for the draw.

Josh Thewlis only played the 1st half and was then withdrawn, so I expect that he will be in our squad for the Leeds game but I doubt Powell will select him to play.

He needs regular 1st team games at this stage of his career, so that he develops to his full potential.

How did the Saints players go for the Crusaders?

Not me.
I’m a big Thewlis fan and is ready for fullback now, but he’s no Dufty, so if Russell has shown more preseason than him, I’m all for him being made to give way.

I want Thewlis back in the team on merit, but there is no substitute for pace when on the wing.
Russell is in excellent shape, if I was that chiselled, I’d be walking through Market Gate in sandals and Speedos!

I think Thewlis will get game time to spelll Dufty against stuggling opponents and easy cup draws.

I can't really remember, but is Russell actually very fast?

I can remember his upper body strength near the line, and his strong kick returns. My big worry is his tackling and his defending kicks behind him. But that's based on 2014-2017, and I can't honestly say I paid much attention to him when he was at Toronto or Toulouse.

I remember his main failing to be his inability to catch a rugby ball from a high kick towards him when he played initially at fullback, and later when he was moved to the wing to play because of this issue.

He didn`t score that many tries either, which was a problem.

We will soon see if Matty has improved on these aspects of his game in the new season shortly.

Thewlis is significantly quicker than Russell although Russell is pretty explosive running the ball back when he keeps hold of it. Like others have said, there are flaws in his game so time will tell if he’s eradicated them enough to be a first choice. I’m not convinced but Powell sees them all week so will wait and see. I’d prefer to see Thewlis start but not my decision

Russell may have a sculptured body but unfortunately hnless his improved significantly under the high ball he'll be targetted all day long by the opposition. He was lost confidence after a few matches and it went downhill from there.
I am doubtful whether he'll have sorted that out, but only DP will know.
One thing though - Russell spoke about going into a dark place when he was with us, so hopefully his head will be in the right place a d we may see the best of him, but the high ball was an issue when he was coming through the Wigan ranks.

Bringing the ball out, Russell is very good - better than both our wingers, and thats down to his solid physique.

Im not sure if Thewlis is faster than him.
Thewlis isn't an out and out winger - unlike Ashton. I am concerned about Thewlis's size. There's only so many times you can get belted and walk away without effects.
Josh to full back material all day long. Presumably DP didnt think he was quite ready for a full season there, hence Duffy.

Quote ="fez1" One thing though - Russell spoke about going into a dark place when he was with us, so hopefully his head will be in the right place a d we may see the best of him'" I was amazed to read that and how his self-confessed alcohol problems didn't seem to prevent his inclusion in the team. Was Tony Smith not aware or turned a blind eye? Speaking of 2014 Russell said .. “Sometimes I would come in training a bit dusty" https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/ma ... -gambling/ We gave him a 3 year deal in 2014.

Quote ="fez1" One thing though - Russell spoke about going into a dark place when he was with us, so hopefully his head will be in the right place a d we may see the best of him'" I was amazed to read that and how his self-confessed alcohol problems didn't seem to prevent his inclusion in the team. Was Tony Smith not aware or turned a blind eye? Speaking of 2014 Russell said .. “Sometimes I would come in training a bit dusty" https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/ma ... -gambling/ We gave him a 3 year deal in 2014.

We all know Smith had his favourites for whatever reason. I remember when he (Smith) left he was quoted (or maybe mis-quoted) as saying developing individual players was more important to him than winning. Maybe Russell was a sort of pet project and Smith thought he could turn him into a world-beater. Unfortunately, without a really decent spine from 2014 onwards, he was never going to do that.

When Smith got lazy/disheartened towards the end I think he saw Russell as pivotal to scooting for metres that made up the entirety of our attacking plan - we were absolutely horrible to watch then.

I have no issues with Thewlis` physique bringing the ball out from defence and gain ground.

When you look at Wigan who have French on the wing and St Helens who have Ritson/Bennison competing for a wing berth, none of those players are any bigger than Thewlis.

Russell`s squat physique is a disadvantage when defending a high ball because even if he has learnt to catch a ball consistently, he is likely to be out-jumped by his opposing winger.

Rugby League seems to be moving away from the monster wingers, who are being replaced by lighter more skilful players.

You could well be right - but I always looked forward to Inga and Vainikolo getting the ball!
Still rate Hicks and Joel as our best 2 wingers in modern day footie.

Yes, I don't think anyone would disagree with that.

Thewlis had an operation on 3 hernias over Christmas period according to press reports so may not be fully up to speed hence Powell looking at Russell to start.
With regard to Russell and high balls a lot of that probably stems from that horrible “tackle” against Widnes where he got smashed in the face.

Probably, but he was crap at them before that as well

Russell not in the squad for Thursday. Ashton, Minikin and Josh Thewlis the wing options.

And Powell states he thinks Josh is ready, acknowledging he had a slower pre-season due to the injuries.