No me neither, just pointing out that there is no animosity as far as I know.

We`re talking like it`s unlikely to get 2 injuries in those positions at the same time... We have a good utility player in Gaskell but he can`t cover 2 or 3 positions at the same time, I see no reason why having Gaskell means that we shouldn`t sign Langi if we have the budget, it`s not absolutely essential but it adds some quality strength in depth for us.

I don't know who individually, but I think we'll be relying a lot more on the kids coming through if we have injuries, rather than having international centres playing reserves.

I maybe missing something here, not sure. We have contracted; 2 centres (one coming off a long term injury, 1 still relatively inexperienced) ,1 half back, 1 stand off and 1 fullback.

We have 1 player in Gaskell as the only proven quality to cover all of those positions.

Who are these kids that are ready to play SL week in week out as of now PT?

I saw in a pre season training video young centre Pratt I think it was so I assume he would be an option.

Thanks Trojan, it`s not a loaded question by the way, I`m just not as up to speed with the academy lads as I was a few years back.

Anyone heard anything on Charlie Abraham?

No problem, I didn’t take it as a loaded question. I think Pratt is a promising centre. I’m not sure if Croft is still with us or not despite being out of contract end of 2022. I’d be happy if both Croft and Pratt were part of the 2023 squad though.

As for Abrahams. Didn’t someone post that we have promoted a young hb from academy within the squad? Maybe because Abrahams isn’t coming back to the UK (just guesswork on my part btw).

Hopefully Croft is re signed as he won’t be on anywhere near as much as Langi and can cover centre/wing.

Langi is probably favourite to sign again with Leigh with Ferguson now left and with them having the quota space and finance.

Apparently from breakfast this morning the club are close to completing a deal for a back.

Seems there will be another one or two to come in yet.

Add Samosoni Langi to what we look like. Signing has been announced.
Good signing in my humble opinion.

Great signing. Always liked him I have.

So far this off season I see the following players left and their replacements.

Atoni - Fifita
Proctor - Batchelor
Eseh - Aydin
Smith - Milky
Bowden - Tini
Taufua - TJ
Langi - Tupou

We’ve definitely had a freshen up of the squad and the replacements look at least on paper like they can fill the voids left

That looks pretty good Waki

Add in that Murphy and Hall have lifted themselves to first team regulars

Jeez, you turn quicker than milk!

Of those the one that stands out is Eseh, Aydin was never the prospect Eseh is and I do rate Aydin, but I know who I’d prefer by quite some margin.

Aydin will make a solid SL player but he has his limitations. His metres after contact aren’t great and defensively he can leave gaps and not close out. He will certainly be a solid SL player and one who will probably thrive in his late 20s.

Eseh has that offload, size and strength. If he works hard and continues to grow and learn he could be very good. I expect this to be his breakthrough season and see him come off the bench for 10-15 games or so.

Looking at the squad I think maybe one more prop (You can never have too many props) and Possibly another utility back who can cover Full back (I know we have Max and Gaskell but I don't really see any other options) and I will be happy.

Matthew Shaw reporting Croft and Shaw have left the club.

"Jack Croft and Isaac Shaw have left Wakefield Trinity. But the pair are now in limbo as compensation rules mean they are highly unlikely to find new clubs within the RFL league structure."

Sad but not the result of anything the club did.

The club will be required to pay both players for 1 and 2 years.
The players are in limbo.

Can anyone on here explain what that means. If Trinity have not renewed an expired contract, or is it the club have not improved an existing contract which both players have rejected. It’s impossible to make comments about this without knowing the facts.

Surely the club could waive any fee so the 2 players can move on with their careers…..assuming the players agreed to it too.

I understand the reason behind the rule however I don’t see the club being too happy to pay 3 years wages out, which will be a minimum of £45k (3 x £15k) with no realistic potential for any return.

The rule states that the club would be due a payment of a nominal amount per week for the time they have been developed in the system for any club coming in for them or any player prior to their 22nd birthday.

If no deal is agreed then a the players will be due payment from the club until they turn 22 in line with their last deal, so basically 1 years wage for Croft 2 for Shaw.

Explained better here. https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... 673081.amp

Explained better here. https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... 673081.amp

The rules are there to protect clubs like us. They work fine in most cases.

The only bit no one mentions is, if Croft gets a contract, Wakefield don't have to take the compensation. They could just let it go or do a deal I'm sure.

If we don't want them, why restrict them.