I have to disagree with this, if I am the only person who thinks this then so be it.
I have been one of the few that have harped on about giving the young ones a chance and I am glad this has finally happened. However, I must admit I haven’t been to see Sutcliffe in many U19 games this season, but I have heard on twitter and forums like this how he is the next big thing and how terrific he is as a player. Errr HHmmmm.
I have seen him play in the last 3 or so games and he may be a good second rower eventually, but as a Stand Off – No. Last night he threw the ball left, then he threw the ball right. There was no kicking game at all and no ‘show and go’ or dancing in front of the defensive line. He didn’t ask any questions of the opposition at all.
Yes he scored a reasonable try from 5 yards but that doesn’t make him a star. I expected to see much more from a kid who is so highly rated by others. Was he told not to kick or try anything that might make him look good? For me we had an extra 2nd rower but lost a half back with him playing.
I am sure he is a nice lad and I don’t want to sound as though this is a Vickery type thread – but come on. I know many a player who Leeds have let go who are playing in the Championship who offered much more than I have seen here. Even Ollie Olds who went to Aus offered so much more. Even that kid is it Ben Johnston at Cas (D/R) with York is way above and beyond what I have seen so far.
For a big six footer like he is mould him into a JJB or a 13, but deffo not a 6,7 or 9.
IMO of course.

If its Baldwinson it will inept on an epic scale - it would be akin to Wigan letting a young Sam Tomkins go. Let's hope this is not the case.

No it won't.
Tomkins is the reigning Man of Steel, a current international and at the height of his career. He's actually turned potential into reality. To compare the two knowing who Tomkins has turned out isn't a realistic comparision of the scenarios.
Baldwinson has potential, but that's all.

Inept would be finishing in the bottom half of the table (considering our resources)
Inept would be getting into such financial strife that we have to sell our stadium or go into receivership.
Inept would be that we make such poor personnel decisions that we look more like relegation material (in the olden days) than we look like champions.

Those have all happened to our rivals. That's inept. Seeing a junior player choosing to go elsewhere is not inept.

The arrogance of Leeds fans that assume every player that leaves Leeds is because Leeds wanted them to go, and every player at every other club wants to sign for Leeds if only we would stump up the cash to buy them.

If Baldwinson opts to go to the NRL, maybe it's because he sees that as a the most positive step forward for his career no matter how much cash Leeds are prepared to throw at him? I don't know the figures involved, you don't either. Maybe Leeds have made him a reasonable offer for a lad with so little first team rugby under his belt?

If Leeds couldn't sign Lunt, maybe it's because his current club (the one he had three years left on his contract at) wanted a ridiculous sum of money for the player they perceived as being their first choice hooker going forward?

Maybe they agreed a fee with the Giants, but Lunt took Paul Anderson at his word that he wanted him back and would be his first choice? Again, I don't know and I suspect you don't either.

None of this hints at "inept" management.

It's no wonder Leeds as a club and its fans get a reputation for arrogance that makes them so disliked.

Maybe the non members of the clique look and think id be better off elsewhere?

Hardly a promoter of youth this Coach unless his hand is forced, likewise Lunt some games sat motionless on the bench, I know the Lunts decision was fairly easy for him to return to pay for Anderson.

The decision for Lunt to see his contract out out Huddersfield had very little to do with Lunt himself, but don't let the facts get in the way of your McDermott bashing.