It seemed like Smith didn’t rate parts of his game and was trying to make him “earn” his place in the side while sticking with senior players who don’t look anywhere near his level, it’s backfired massively, although he may have come across anyway with him being a Widnes lad he might have wanted to be closer to home?

We thought we had him over the line when he signed for Leeds.

I think he would have come had we not signed KPP a couple of days before. I think we were his preferred destination back then until we signed KPP at which point I think he was advised that 2 into 1 slot doesn’t go by his manager and so took on his less preferred option of Leeds.

And coming over to us with his mate O`Connor helped his decision.
It`s right Smith rated him but was preferring the older players and Walters felt he wasn`t getting a chance and orchestrated the move away.
Not long after that and due to injuries he found himself playing in the first team on a regular basis.
I reckon had that happened sooner he would have stayed.
But as Smith stated the younger lads like to get their future sorted early.
Fwiw I reckon he will be a great player either playing out wide and eventually as a prop similar to JP.

I bloody well hope so! We havent had one of those in a LONG time

Clearly he will move full time to prop at some point but to get to JP levels, you need an incredible desire, attitude and will to win. He’s probably more naturally talented than an early days JP but Peacock was a freak in terms of the drive he displayed, that took him so far. The game really looks to be losing those type of Peacock, James Graham, Gaz Ellis characters, the ones who push themselves way past their levels of natural ability.

I agree he does look like he has more natural ability,but the desire to get to the top we will have to wait and see.
The games I have seen him play sometimes he is head and shoulders above the rest (literally).

Cant wait for next season,after we have won the GF this season of course

If it's true that his favoured position is 2nd row, I think he'll try to establish himself there first. He's clearly capable of playing prop but seems far more dangerous running wider channels. He runs some great lines. My guess is he'll be an almost direct replacement for KPP who has shown he can also play prop very well this season.

I can't see there being a permanent move to prop from either any time soon though.

I think the next signing we make will be a big indicator, if we don’t sign another second rower or keep on Isa he will have to play second row almost exclusively you would think.

Having lost and not replaced Bateman and losing KPP and also Isa I’d say even with Walters we need another secondrow.

Nsemba steps up once more but unless we bring in 1 more that still leaves us with 3 including Walters.

Farrell
Walters
Shorrocks
Nsemba

Don't really follow our youngsters anymore so not sure if there is anybody else ready to step up to a 5th choice? Should hopefully be enough if so.