Correct - Atoni improved massively when DF joined him.
He has all the ability and I'm confident he will do tbe business now there are quality props in depth.

He did improve for last 1/3 of season and I’m hoping to see that continue.

The situation regarding Walmsley is a bit puzzling to me. If he stayed fit last season he'd have smashed the tries in a season record. I'm confident he would have scored all those tries that Olpherts scored when he lost his place to him through injury. That's taking nothing away from Olpherts who I thought was unlucky not to get another contract.
I think Walmsley may be the one to go, especially as we have Russell and the young kid from HKR- but it will be through no fault of his own - he's done everything asked of him and I rate him quite highly. For me he's starting winger with Tom but we'll see how it goes I reckon.

I'm sure you will because there's competition now - look what's happened with Lino!

Thing for me is that I wouldn’t use a quota place on a winger unless it was someone extra extra special like Lesley Vainikolo or John ‘Cicka’ Fergusson. So while Walmsley has done great and he could be good again this season I’d rather use a quota spot on a spine player a front rower or maybe a top class centre

Still early days with Lino but he looks a different player this pre season. If that’s how he’s going to attack the season and play with smarts rather than relying on a step then he could have one of best years of his career. Let’s hope.

If Walmsley has a good year and offers exactly what we need I have no qualms about quota used for that. Wingers are valuable especially the ones that convert opportunities. Walmsley has the nack for that and let’s not forget he’s a pretty decent full back too if needed.

Seems most fans have already written off his spot in the team in 2026 before he’s pulled a shirt on but I’m going to back him to prove people wrong and earn a deal.

Yer. No offense to Walmsley but I agree.

I think having Trueman alongside Lino is why we are seeing an improved version of Lino so far, and long may it continue.

Trueman is the best half that Lino will have played with during his time at Wakefield and Lino can get on with guiding us round the pitch whilst Trueman bosses the show. Having Trueman fit and on the field will be massive for our season.

I’d say similarly Atoni may well look better with quality rotation around him. In Rodwell and Uele he has 2 lads who are very good props supporting him.

In relation to Walmsley teams these days use wingers to start sets off well and generate quick play the balls. That’s probably where Walmskey is weakest in his all round play. I know they have been working on his strength during the offseason to improve this.

With Russell getting the nod against Goole and Olpherts taking his spot last year I’m guessing Powell still isn’t happy with where he is in this regard but time will tell I guess.

Still think we won’t know our strongest team till 10/12 weeks into the season so will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

Wholeheartedly agree re Walmsley.

Just seen he played in the grand final year before last.