I think Max is superior with creating the overlap and in attack and Shaul in organising defence (though I see some improvement in Max here).

I would go with Max starting over Shaul but there’s in truth not much in it. There’s obviously time for Jowitt to grow his game further though with his best years ahead of him coming up.

I guess we will see as I’m sure there’ll be a number of players sign and re-sign no doubt. I won’t be dissapointed if we sign Shaul so long as we strengthen where we need to as a priority.

It's the 'Max is improving' thing for me. I like so much about his game but the managing the defense thing is major and we need someone right now to be able to do it.

Fullback is a really important role. Oh to have a Lachlan Coote who does it all.

Why won't Shaul come cheap? If nobody else is offering a deal he won't have much choice.

Is Max OOC?

I can't see why we can't have both.

Shaul is a specialist FB. Max is not far behind but has also proved himself capable of playing in the halves and even the wing, so he adds the versatility.

I wouldn't put too much faith into Gaskell. He's been OK at centre but he's unlikely to hold that position. He won't play FB so he's most likely to end up as a utility support player. But more importantly, he's still an injury risk.

I think what WP wants is a smaller squad with less utility and more specialist players, might be totally wrong.

He will probably look at utility in the backs from Jowitt and Gaskell. In the forwards from Crowther and A N Other, and Kay in the pivot role. the rest will probably be used in single positions. Obviously this only applies with a normal level of injuries, a massive crisis as per 2019 would see far more players playing out of position.

Just my theory, WP hasn't cleared it with me yet

Also got to remember that Shaul is new to the team, give him a close season and he will look even better (hopefully).

I get that but Lachlan Coote and Shaul are the wrong side of 30 and I’m a believer that the experience in organising defense comes as fullbacks age. I’m sure I recall Shaul at Max’s age being more an off the cuff player who wasn’t renowned for his defence either. To develop that Max needs to play games regularly.

We have won multiple games with Jowitt at the back this year and looked good defensively in recent ones. I see Jowitt shouting at players pulling them into holes and he has improved in tackling somewhat (stopping Sao or Manu?).

Shaul is probably a good short term option for 12-24 months but Jowitt is steadily growing into a good fullback and if we plan to play Shaul there short term then I think it would be to the detriment of Jowitt. Jowitt should be hitting his best years and will
I’ll likely be out full back for the next 6-7 years. I’m trying to think more medium- long term.

Listening to a Phil Gould podcast recently and when asked ,which is the most important position on the field , he states that after the half ,by far the most important position is fullback in the modern game . FWIW I like both Jowett and Shaul as for me they both bring something different to the table ,which imo is good for us . As we’ve seen all too often in our game your only your next collision away from an injury ,some far worse than other , so for me if we can grab Shaul ,I’m sure he’ll prove a very valuable member of our squad next season.

As ever it depends on what brass we have to try andcover all the gaps. If he comes at the right price then go for it, if not then we leave it.

But that's the point. He SHOULD be hitting his best years and you say he still has development in his game.
So Shaul fills that gap.

As Schunter said, we can only do this if we have the money. Fifita and Miller replacements are priority 1

We can have both I’m sure and I’d be happy to so long as we recruit in the areas we need to which are more pressing. I’m sure the club will do though and I have every confidence we can build a good squad of players.

Max is OOC next season and if he were to lose the number 1 shirt we may see him look elsewhere and for me it would be another loss of a homegrown (like batch) who’s best years are incoming.

Suppose it’s all guesswork really and there’s no reason for criticism.

Maybe we will get Shaul on a suitable contract for both parties and as I say I’ve been happy with how he’s gone so won’t be dissapointed.

Regarding Gaskell though, he’s definitely more a centre than fullback or half. We’ve played our best rugby with him at centre this season. I’d be tempted to keep him there. Certainly some competition for Lyne in that position.

It’s a little hard to judge atm I guess with having so many vacant positions.

I certainly think more specialist players is the way to go and we can probably subsidise with some youth if a crisis happens for the odd game.

We could really do with players like O’Donnovan and Windrow progressing this year. They’ve been in first team set up a while but yet to get their shot?

A miller replacement should be straight forwards , but not so sure on the Fifita front . We will be very lucky to get anything near his talisman qualities . But I’m sure we’ll pull all the stops out to unearth another star .

From the message put out by MC a couple of weeks ago, the drop in sales of Merchandise, plus, the drop in attendances, were the 2 most worrying aspects and it comes as no surprise that we've "shed" so many of our higher earners.
The issue now, will be replacing them with players that are close to equal (or better).
As fans, we need to renew S/T's a.s.a.p. and also try and top up on Trinity merch, which may give MC & Co the confidence to invest in some better players.
It sounds like we may be in for another tricky season next year and with Leigh especially (and Fev), wanting to spend big, it appears that the promoted side will be somewhat stronger than Toulouse were and London before them.
Times are most definitely hard, and everyone will be feeling the pinch but, if you can, try and spend some cash with the club.

I really don't see Shaul creating the tries that Jowitt can for the likes of Johnstone and Murphy. Nor scoring the ones MJ got at Hull KR or Saints. The 1st try for Catalans at Belle Vue, that gave them the early momentum, came off Shaul failing to clean up a bread and butter bomb.
MJ every time for me.