[quote="PopTart":o55o8v95]His defense is his weakest point but not bad. The bit he has developed, but will need to develop further in SL is his management of the defensive line. If he wants to be an international level player, this is the development area that will take him there. His attack and especially his pass is as good if not better than anyone in SL.[/quote:o55o8v95] Maybe we are seeing different things but his management of the defensive line last season was extremely good. If you watch games back he’s constantly shepherding players where they need to be whilst placing himself in good positions in defence and attack. He’s already better in this area than the current England full back. Perhaps he will have to show this at SL level if that is what you meant about developing further. I genuinely believe if you stuck Max in Wellsby’s shoes he would be running saints in for many more try’s and perform better than Wellsby overall. Now he has a team that’s on the upwards trajectory for having quality and determination around him, hopefully he can do it with us next few seasons.

its the first week in January... negotiations take time... whether to leave or stay in 2026... that takes time... however: - I see no speculation on possible suitors in the RL press - all the signings and retentions have been announced at a time that is strategically beneficial to the club - Currently MAX is an icon at the club... his performances in '25 with either enhance or break that status. - his most recent form has been as a standout player at championship level I kind of like that we don't have to be scared of players leaving or staying for money any more... if its right for both parties he will be a Trinity player in '26 and beyond... if it's not right for both parties then he won't.

Nothing to do with being a doom monger, just stating - discussing the current points, personally I am a big fan of max & I do hope we sign him on a 4 year deal in line with our team building. I also think that our full back line would be very potent with him. Up the trin.

Spook / Start, you are both correct. Plus for all we know, the deal may already be signed. What will be will be.

@Trojan Horse, @Pop Tart and @Butcher Will reply as one I think all of your comments are fair enough . I have no axe to grind and agree that he is a good player who can still improve . I also take note of your comments being different to other clubs who haven't seen him play week in and week out , and again you are absolutely right . With little or no coverage of the lower leagues , we weren't able to see his performances on a week by week basis . The one thing I feel that I have to mention is his outstanding effort to reach 500 season points and break the record . A fantastic achievement even at a lower level . The fact that he is even being mentioned as a possible England Full Back is testament to the progress he has already made, although at 27 it could be argued that it is difficult to measure at exactly what level he should be at now . I still have my own doubts about him being ahead of Evalds (in particular) and also Brierley , but that's just my opinion to be fair , we're not all going to agree . Perhaps I was being unkind to say that he hasn't yet reached SL standard , on the basis that you spent a season in the Championship and prior to that were at the lower end of the table during Max's earlier time in SL. I think we can all agree that it is going to be interesting to see how he goes this season and I wish him all the best (except for the 3 games against Cas of course.Hope he has a few off days against us haha)

Max was outstanding in 2024, has persevered when the likes of walker Hampshire et al were picked in front of him. However if he’s second in line as gb full back think it says more about the dearth of quality in British game. Championship player of the year is nice but both max and the other former championship player of year walmsley have a lot to prove at sl level. Realistically think we are the team most likely to give him a good deal, personally think talk of other clubs is just that - talk! Am sure he’ll be announced before long along with atoni