Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Tue Nov 01, 2022 4:58 pm  

Trojan,

Good update and when looking at the present squad my main area of concern is halfback. We do not have a clue how well Smith will manage the step up. We would be very lucky if we can go the whole season without Lino getting injured. You then assume Smith and Gaskill as our halves. That is providing Gaskill is fit because sods law, when you need him he'll probably be injured at the same time.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Tue Nov 01, 2022 5:08 pm  

Prince Buster wrote:

Trojan,

Good update and when looking at the present squad my main area of concern is halfback. We do not have a clue how well Smith will manage the step up. We would be very lucky if we can go the whole season without Lino getting injured. You then assume Smith and Gaskill as our halves. That is providing Gaskill is fit because sods law, when you need him he'll probably be injured at the same time.

Yes halfback is an area we lack depth. To be honest Gaskell played best at centre last season and wasn’t in great form in the halves. He would be challenging for centre in my opinion and I’d sign another halfback as cover/to challenge Lino and Smith. The budget may have to give somewhere though.

What I do think we need to see is the emergence this year of players like Windrow/O’Donnovan and Eseh. Moving into their second full time season and another pre season under their belt I expect them to step up for a handful of games if needed.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Tue Nov 01, 2022 6:04 pm  

vastman wrote: Looks like Lineham is back in the fold, maybe a heart to heart has been had? https://www.facebook.com/wakefieldtrinityrl Where else would he go though? He's under contract and presumably Wakefield aren't in a position/inclined to do Leeds-style pay-offs.

vastman wrote: Looks like Lineham is back in the fold, maybe a heart to heart has been had? https://www.facebook.com/wakefieldtrinityrl Where else would he go though? He's under contract and presumably Wakefield aren't in a position/inclined to do Leeds-style pay-offs.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Tue Nov 01, 2022 6:47 pm  

The Phantom Horseman wrote:

Where else would he go though? He's under contract and presumably Wakefield aren't in a position/inclined to do Leeds-style pay-offs.

Nowhere thats the point! Unless his form improves dramatically and somebody wants him then we are stuck with him. Obviously if he finds his form again then getting rid wouldn’t be an issue as he’d be useful to us.

If he doesn’t then we are lumbered as nobody will take over his wage. Then as last season we will effectively be doing a Leeds by letting him play for other clubs for free, it’s just that we are doing it in increments.

We just have to hope Applegarth can find the key to restart what used to be a fairly decent player. I’m assuming that’s what we’d all like to see.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Tue Nov 01, 2022 6:51 pm  

Trojan Horse wrote:

So as it stands we currently look something like this for 2023:

1. Jowitt
2. Murphy
3. Hall
4. Lyne
5. Kershaw/Taufua
6. Smith
7. Lino
8.Bowden
9. Hood
10. Whitbread
11. Proctor
12. Tanginoa
13.Crowther

14. Kay
15. Butler
16. Eseh
17. Ashurst

18. Gaskell
19. Bowes
20. Battye
21. Taufua/Kershaw
22. Pitts
23. Iineham
24. Windrow
25. O’donnovan

I think 4/5 more signings are required.

Prop remains number one priority as I’d say we need 2 props.
Loose forward
Fullback (or a good utility back)
Centre (or a good utility back)

If there’s anything left maybe promote a young lad or 2 - don’t we have some good young centres? Carter or Beevers maybe.

Did you forget Shaw? Or has he gone?

So that’s one extra prop.

I’d say we only need one extra prop, we’ve more than enough IMHO.

I’d like to see an extra HB and a FB, they look the main priorities for me.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Tue Nov 01, 2022 7:22 pm  

I think a loose like Taylor would make our back row really strong. A half that can play hooker. A big mean prop or 2!!

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Tue Nov 01, 2022 7:23 pm  

Shaw is a strange one, we have all heard various rumours and speculation about his future. If he has not been offered a contract I just dont understand why the club are being so secretive. He must be sorted by now either with us or someone else so why the silence.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Tue Nov 01, 2022 7:30 pm  

Dannyboywt1 wrote:

I think a loose like Taylor would make our back row really strong. A half that can play hooker. A big mean prop or 2!!

I wondered if were looking at a half/full back. Like a widdop/ratchford style who are comfortable at both rather than an out an out fullback like the original interest in Shaul. Bowes might get a bigger crack at hooker now seen as mash will have watched him through the ranks

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Tue Nov 01, 2022 7:52 pm  

I see Shaul as a full back/winger at a push but we have cover there. I don't think Hampshire would be right for us now but someone in that mould. I did think Gaskell was that type of player and maybe he can still be. Trying to think of a 6/7 that can cover 9 but no one is jumping out at me who might come to use.

Re: What we currently look like for 2023 : Tue Nov 01, 2022 7:55 pm  

LG83 wrote:

I wondered if were looking at a half/full back. Like a widdop/ratchford style who are comfortable at both rather than an out an out fullback like the original interest in Shaul. Bowes might get a bigger crack at hooker now seen as mash will have watched him through the ranks

We have our utility back in Gaskill I think he will be a Jack of all trades next year and whilst maybe not guaranteed a start when we are at full strength could have a big influence over our season.