20-28

With that I'm quite positive about this season

FT 20- 38 WAKEY

Gaskell my MOM, played really well in half's

I think Atoni is going to be very popular.
Gaskell played well but so did Smith. Good signs for both at stand off.
Really looking forward to seeing what Eseh can do this season.

Agree Gaskell was MOM by a long way… seemed to relish the leadership role

Joe Law was a revelation … liked what I saw of Smith…

I know it’s only a Boxing Day friendly but I do like when trinity teams finish the last quarter of games strongly… hope we continue that trait!!’


Sleep now as the temperature has finally dropped below 30c

I was really impressed with Smith in the 2nd half, looked the real deal at 7, composed and slick running the team around. Although only a friendly against a mainly youthful team, these games are still really challenging and when our youth came on they completely outplayed Leeds. Really good run out.

Also noticed, lack of penalties

Really enjoyed it today, and went for the hospitality bit too.

Although you can't read too much into these games, apart from a few clunky passes early doors, I think we went well. Thought Smith and Gaskell controlled things well, and our forwards were good too. On this showing Milky and Fifita wont be missed.

Is game going to be on Trinity TV?

Joe law looked more like the milky bar kid than an RL player


He went well though and had a good game

Enjoyed the game today. Thought we conceded some disappointing tries but equally at times I thought we moved the ball well. Liked the look of Joe Law, lad had a good attitude and got himself stuck in. Possibly some loan time would do him good to get used to open age rugby but definitely one for the future. After being initially a bit worried I think we've got a good balance in the squad this year especially when you add Langi, Tanginoa, Hood, Taufua, Proctor etc

Pretty well summed up in my eyes

Backtracking early

He’s a good player in the making. How much he develops physically in the next two years will have a huge bearing on his future. At the moment he’s slight even for his age.

I would not include Hood in that company. I think Bowes will step up this year , plus Kaye if fit will be our first choice hooker pairing. Then there is Smith, who I thought had a blinder. If Smith dosnt get a run in the halves, he also looks a far better choice than Hood.

Taking the game and opposition into perspective I thought a few of our young lads were very good. Pratt,Butterworth and Windrow who didn't look out of place add Jack Law who looked like a really you g lad for an old bloke like me!

Bowes Smith went really well. Atoni looks like he could be a belter. All round good performance with decent game management. Other than the start of the second half I thought we defended well.

Yes butterworth chimed really well into the line and showed some lovely handling for the Kershaw try.
Windrow looks massive !! And along with Eseh we teally have some size comming through as forward back up.

Nope, it's still the same....Leeds are allowed to score off mile-forward passes at Headingley

Or batch and Aydin

Sorry. Maybe it's just me but Pratt didn't look like he could step in just yet. Loses a lot in size, which of course can be improved. Some nice touches and speed show he has something and will i think be special but he isn't there quite yet.
Eseh could play first team right now for me.

Probably not or only in a massive emergency. His game will be based heavily on his physicality and clearly at senior level he’s not there yet. Eseh is a freak in the nicest possible way but imo even he us probably a season off being totally ready, but all things are relative.

Which is why I think Pratt needs to work on his skills/passing and footwork until his injury body catches up. Pratt is one for the near future not now except in emergency. I like the club have an eye on the future.

Also, Eseh - it’s rare for forwards of his age to have the physicality he does. If he applies himself he could be one of the best props in the league in a few short years.

Think we really have to be patient with some of the young players…

I read a post the other day which talks about Eseh’s potential breakthrough year…. Finally!!!

As if we’ve been waiting decades for this 19 year old kid to break through! Giving kids a chance to train full time and mature alongside seasoned professionals, is not an indication of their readiness for regular first team football…

I agree. Eseh is ready to play first team, but that means play a game or two maybe more, but not front up for a whole season.
He'll develop over the next year or two.