It probably didn’t help with him being played out of position at fullback or on the replacements bench. He has also been switched to the right wing for this season. What makes a good winger is a good centre who is able to create the space necessary and let’s not forget he with O’Rourke got back to stop the Leeds winger.

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.

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

[quote="imwakefieldtillidie":xxibk1j0]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.[/quote:xxibk1j0] 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.

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.