I've been impressed by the lad, who hasn't and at 19 he's done incredibly well. He's also IMHO probably played too many games this season and the off season can't come soon enough.

For this reason I'm just pointing this issue out rather than criticising - I hope I'm being fair.

On a number of occasions last night and through the season he's made some truly poor attempts at some one on ones whilst defending his try line. For me it's been the weakest part of his game from day one and he needs to work on it.

At the moment it's acceptable because of his age, lack of experience and general fatigue - so I say again NOT A CRITICISM!!! - however if the lad is to reach his true potential he must master it sooner rather than later.

I don't expect him to really master the most difficult part of a FB's job (IMO) for another few years but he needs to improve for next season as he was targeted last night and it forced a poor performance IMO and he needs to do better. That said I accept Hull are a ferocious unit and even the very best FB would struggle.

I say this because I want all the local lads to make it, but they won't if we ignore there weak points - ditto TJ who really needs to master tackling around he legs.

This is probably the weakest part of his game, but something he can work on. Another area for development is covering the ball when an attacker is getting over the line.
However, he is still very young and has time to develop these critical parts of a full backs job. If he can master these to a quality level I truly believe we have an absolute gem on our hands - potentially a world class player. His attacking vision and running game is absolutely awesome. Very excited to see how he develops.

nb - also he has clearly been carrying an injury to his shoulder for some time which has impacted recent games.

I agree, but I'm not sure a team can "target" a fullback on defence.
They can target for high balls but if Max is having to make a tackle, someone else has missed one in front of him, so they were the one targeted.

Outplayed Hulls FB last night. I know who'd I'd pick out of the two.

Good post.

Rest was a bit of blather though.

Great input as ever

I Have not been overly impressed. a couple of ok games that's about it- Johnstone on other hand is class- I am hearing a NRL team is going to make a play and buy out his contract

one that has already got a few Englishmen in their squad

Considering his age and lack of experience I've been very impressed with Max, especially in such an injury weakened team.

On the other hand whilst I liked young tom prior to his injury he seems to have gone backwards and it was alarming how easily Rocky ran him down recently.

If an NRL team really had the money to buy out a wingers contract then surely they would go for the proven complete winger. Super Leagues record holder for most tries in a season, Denny.

Am sure that CC hasn't noticed this so your advice will change the training regime immediately lol. in my opinion he's already mastered the most difficult aspect of the fb role - reading the game and his positional play. This has been outstanding and he has a natural footballing ability - the odd game that craig hall played at full back our kick defence was horrendous - mainly because no one around him believed he was going to defuse the bomb.

Totally agree at times he's looked knackered and a bit vulnerable but at 19 and not the biggest fb in the league another off season and 7 or 8 pounds of muscle and i think we will see a different player - am sure he will have the 1 shirt next season.

Johnstone i really like but in the long term think max will be the more successful player

Has all the attributes to an international fullback. I think for a 19 year old he has been exceptional this season - obvious areas to work on but why single him out for that -all the team need to work on defence! In fact that has to be close season priority!

As quick as Rocky is he's a distant second to Tom in a race, you're judging Tom harshly, he was returning from a bad leg injury.

What a load of sheite, Tom at full fitness would have left Hampshire for dead . Weeks out with a broken leg, to sprint the same on your first game back

get a grip