I think at the time they were both right to go and at the time they were both right to return.

I like Matty Russell and his efforts this year have been noticeable but let's be honest if we are serious at winning things he is a squad player at best, to me his is a worse version of Charnley makes decent meters, but without Charnleys ability to use his size in finishing. Russell looks a lot better under the high ball than he did.

I suppose it comes down to the rugby we want to play and for me it's utilise the pace in the back line in tired defences with strike on both sides. Russell for me doesn't give that he is great cover and will give you meters but for me that grunt work should be done in the forwards with wingers helping out. He was our second best meter maker against Saints and I know that the kicking skewed that a little and with Mikaele being out, but that is not what we should be aiming for.

For me it's great job Matty Russell this season but if we see as much of you next season something is off.

Pretty good summary. It was a good move to bring back Russell, I believe. Thewlis seems to take a lot of knocks and be less resilient to them than some players, so having decent quality cover was necessary. I really hope for the sake of Thewlis' career that his apparent vulnerability to knocks (more so than usual, I mean) doesn't become a long-term issue.

Russell comes super cheap and is decent cover, as shown this year. Came with a point to prove, and certainly proved me wrong.

Is Thewlis vulnerable injury wise? He played 15 games in 2021 as a 19 year old, 20 games in 2022 and 23 games this year. Not a bad return for someone his age I would say?

I fairly sure he would have had an improved offer as technically he now will have a new contract.

He had a 1 year contract with a further year option in the clubs favour - I always assumed they would be on the same terms?

I thought the same. The terms signed for on the option at that time would no doubt be the same salary, just an extension.

he does pick up knocks in game, but thats because he has no self preservation, i love this kid, i hope he makes it in the game. either here or somewhere else

He wore a scrum cap for the majority of his Academy days.

It would help his career if he starts wearing one again, to help protect him from head injuries.

Thewlis definitely takes some big hits & though he hasn't missed many games he gets a lot of treatment and it is worrying.
Scrum Caps are designed to prevent cuts/scratches & protect ears in scrums (RU) there doesn't seem to be any evidence that they protect from concussion.