Obviously there are many ok with Russell leaving and in many ways based on what we’ve seen in the main I understand that, but there is another way of looking at it ……
Defensively he’s probably one of the toughest half backs around and we’ve seen him bring much bigger men down and take big hits then bounce back up.
I think he is probably our best goal kicker so that presents another issue.
He is quite clearly playing to Watsons process / game plan - we see Watson calling him over regularly to remind him of the plan - which means he plays a very basic game and looks to lack that electric place but on occasions he has shown he has a decent step and can make a break / half break and I believe he has a more creative game than we are seeing, When he makes that break / half break there should be someone with him in support and if that was the case he would automatically look better. I think we will see a much better version of him under Powell at Wakefield next year. I believe he is being restricted by our unexciting brand of rugby and this will be a good move for him.
Another point is - this is another youngish player leaving, will that bring in another 30 something replacement in?
