I like the skills Hooley has.
I do worry a little bit about his physique. Like it or not a super league player needs to be built more like a marine rather than the rugby players of the past.
If he fills out I think he'll l be very good.
Max has built up just the same since he came on the scene. Lower body strength especially.

SL is just too physical for young players to survive.
Jowitt although willing and skillful when he first came in, wasn't quite able to cope with the physicality of the game but, a couple of seasons on and with some extra "conditioning" and he is doing very well indeed.
There is a fine line between having the ability to defend whilst not sacrificing pace and some of the elusive skills.
Having said that, Wellens never looked super quick but, was a damn good full back.

The reality is that a FB isn't going to stop a prop forward in full flow close to the line, although there are some on here that think they should make every tackle, no matter what the circumstances.

Right now, I would prefer Jowitt at FB (not with a broken hand though), although Hampshire has some great evasive skills and speed.

I agree especially about defending 1 on 1.
But size and fitness is important for attack too. He have to be able to take a hit and be confident running in to contact.
He'll get there.

Jowitt must be one of the most under appreciated players we have ever produced. 55 games, 16 tries, and won the Albert Goldthorpe Rookie of the Year 2016. If Hooley is anywhere near that I can't see it.

I'm not putting a downer on Hooley but Max has already made the grade as a SL player, he needs to improve but he's light years ahead of Hooley who at SL is a totally unknown quantity.

How old is Hooley in comparison to when Jowitt made his Super League debut. I honestly expect Hooley to end up back at Bradford.

I said ages back we should sign young Cunningham from London

I've heard we've signed Brett Ferres for next year. Very disappointed if true an absolute grub on and off the pitch plus never wanted to be at Wakefield in first place in his 1st spell.

I definitely hope that it is fish shop talk

Hooley turned 21 this year so still a baby

You can’t compare the team situation now with that of the time Max made his debut. Right now there’s an established team with two quality full backs vying for the No1 position. Back when Max made his debut, if memory serves, we had Ben Cockayne, Craig Hall and maybe even Richard Mathers all capable of playing Full Back yet it was an injury crisis that saw Max come in.

Well if that's true then i'm afraid I've lost total faith in the coaching staff and the hierarchy!!

God no. I hope not.

Hopefully it is just a rumour.

Strange that at the moment, nearly all the players we are being linked to are back rowers, bearing in in mind that, Ashurst, Batch and Tanginoa, are I believe all contracted for 2020, and would say, are our first choice.

If Anakin and Kirmo are the ones were replacing here, then I would think any incoming players would be more squad fillers

I'm surprised how old Hooley is then. Only one year younger than MJ

Jowitt has just turned 22 this year. According to Wiki he made hid debut away at Saints as a 17 year old. Even though the Grix year stifled his development somewhat Jowitt, IMHO, has nothing to fear from Hooley.
Hooley has not really lived up to the early career hype and I would be surprised if Wakefield retain him.

Be a travesty if we have signed Ferres ,he’s a player that smacks of everything we don’t need at Belle vue right now .

Didn't like Ferres first time at Wakey. Hope it isn't true.

My mistake Hooley is still 20 but turns 21 later this year

Ferres would probably be the most backward step ever made by the Club, if true. I remember how he gave the game away to Warrington AFTER the final hooter had gone. A below par Ashurst and injured Kirmond would be far more use to the Club than Ferres.
Please say it isn't true!!!

Chester’s obsession with back rowers will be his undoing IMO. Westerman and Ferres, blah. Is it me or are things starting to go to pot every since the new chairman came in?

If the Ferres rumour is true, he is that detestable a player and a human being that I would not watch Trinity with him in the side.

I can't see Ferres being true. Just isn't a Chester type player.

I quire like the Wester man rumour. I like him. He'd be a good addition to the team.

It isn’t.

Hooley played for Dewsbury in Toronto today, I presume it's our Luke Hooley

Surely at 33 with the sort of form Ferres has carried for the last few years he’s destined for the Championship. Would be a good signing for a club like Fev IMO

What's your thoughts on Ryan Atkins?

Yes atkins would fit nice

Westerman would be fine.

Atkins would be fine.

Can't see Ferres being on our radar.

Weren't we in talks with Hadley.

Better fit IMO, to go with the other back rowers we have.

Two new props to come in for me