No it isn't, but I don't expect we will be next year.

Ok let me rephrase. We'll be bottom if we play Lawford and Jowitt at halfbacks for a length of time.

We need another half. If it's not Lino he needs to be replaced.

Boothroyd confirmed as leaving aswell now. So assuming that frees up another spot?

No that just makes us right.

Surprised to see Olpherts on his way, thought he’d be getting another year given he seems to be a favorite of Powell’s this year.

I didn’t think the Matty Russell rumour made sense but it does now.

Might have been his choice.

Fair point.

Russell would be decent back up.

Maybe Olpherts has secured a longer deal somewhere. He is around 34 I think.

I could see the likes of Fev, York or Donny coming in for Olpherts ??

I think Cas could do with him to be honest

Jowitt is a class S/O, he’s played there over thirty times now and it was his junior position, I’ve no issues there at all.

Lawford however is a million miles away at present.

Lino isn’t going anywhere for the reasons I’ve already given. But for the sake of argument let’s say he is. Trueman, Russell and Jowitt you have three not two quality HBs, not bad. I also believe that Powell thinks Booth has the potential to be a no6 so at a push that’s four. However as I say it’s academic as I don’t see Lino leaving.

Powell actually believes Booth’s best position is in the centres. (his words).

And you lose your best fullback and lead try assists.
No matter how you cut it you need someone else.

Of course Max can play 6. But if you play him at 6 you need an equally good 1.

If only we had signed a quality fullback that's being playing very well in SL already...

To be fair we would have Roarke (maybe), Booth or Walmsley as options.

I don’t believe Max would play halfbacks unless injury forced it to 2 of Russell, Truman or Lino.

I don’t think another half is needed with 5 who can play there. It’s more than enough for next season.

FWIW I think the halfbacks will be Truman and Russell next season with Lino having to wait his opportunity and Lawford work his way back to fitness and work on developing.

Well to be fair we haven’t yet, it’s only rumour and speculation.

Sorry to see Boothroyd going- I thought he had potential but I guess the last signing was the death knell for him!

We have, 100%, we just haven't announced it.

I don’t know anyone in the know so to me it’s not confirmed or even an option until it’s announced.

Max has looked class at half back in the championship , but a whole new world awaits him at super league level . leave him at his best position at fullback and let the half’s sort themselves out , surely between Lino , Russel and Trueman we can get a decent partnerships going in the off season . Why move a kid who covers the half’s but is a far better fullback, to move position when we have brought in players for that sole purpose . I doubt he would have had a sniff in the half’s if it wasn’t for the injuries to our current crew .

Lino can’t hold a candle to Trueman in the injury stakes

I agree, I really like Max but I don’t see him as a solution should we have an issue in the halves next year, he’s done well there this year in a team that has basically had a totally dominant forward pack, he won’t get that luxury week in week out next year.

He does have a fantastic passing game, arguably the best in the club but with him pace and line defence has been an area where he’s had issues in the past.

He’s up there this year with Rodwell and Uele as our best on ground in 2024, however I think his focus in 2025 will be back on the fullback shirt as it seems he will have a bit of a fight on his hands to make that 1 shirt his own in SL if we are bringing in Rouke and to a lesser extent Russell as rumoured.

Not suggesting Jowitt plays half all the time, more pointing out that we have an option should injuries hit. Still it's a moot point now as it looks like Lino is staying.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... e-30014635 Quote Josh Rourke - Wakefield Trinity Rugby League Live revealed last month that Rourke was on his way to Wakefield next year, a deal that is thought to have been done some time ago. After breaking his leg and missing the start of the season, he returned in remarkable form, scoring eight tries in as many games. The fullback will compete for a spot in the team next to Max Jowitt.'"

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... e-30014635 Quote Josh Rourke - Wakefield Trinity Rugby League Live revealed last month that Rourke was on his way to Wakefield next year, a deal that is thought to have been done some time ago. After breaking his leg and missing the start of the season, he returned in remarkable form, scoring eight tries in as many games. The fullback will compete for a spot in the team next to Max Jowitt.'"

It would appear so, however, if he is initially going to be a back up half at the start of the season, having your most experienced overseas player, who is a larger earner isn't ideal. Though I am a big advocate of picking players on form etc.

Maybe it could be that Eliis wants a return on his investment, before offloading him, should he wish to do so. It would cost less all round. Also, was there anyone else better, available to us, at the right time, who is a better fit