just been on the wigan page and they think Gareth Hock is the one to watch for 2012 for them

for us i think Brett Delaney is going to be the to watch

Delaney could be a good one with a full season in the second row. I think I would add Hardaker, BJB and Watkins in there too

Paul McShane.

fFor me Ablett and Delaney were the most improved players last season.
Have to agree about the young backs though. It's not often such talent comes through at the same time. Barring injuries they should be the ones to watch for many years to come.

hardaker 1st and then mcshane

If Watkins can get a run of games together without being injured, him. Infact this could be a key year for him, if he has another injury plagued year it could be a very bad sign.

Watkins, mcshane and hardaker will all be interesting to watch, and as above Watkins if injury free could have a massive year. Should be good to see singleton and hood get some game time along with briscoe.

Potentially one of the most exciting young back lines in the comp.


Also outside bet, depending how he handles losing starting shirt and opportunities taken but Lee smith could potentially get back some form

I was thinking that too. He needs a really big pre-season and his attitude needs to be right. If that happens then he could be a really important player again for us next season.

Agree it could go either way. He could come with the right attitude and have a stormer, or gradually drift away to nothing

Agree with Ferdy and GMC RE-Smithy.
For me i like the prospects our back-line and also Macca getting plenty of game-time.
Just another one to mention will be Clarkson that kid is quality imo.

Clarkson is quality, bit embarrassed completely forgot about him, but agree he is a quality player

On paper we have the youngest and most exciting back line in super league, looking forward to seeing ryan hall after his perfomances in the four nations.

Surely Stevie Ward will be the one to watch?

If this lad finally gets his chance he will stand out like no other. Really really hope the coaches have the balls to go for it and let this lad have a run to show off his talent.

He's quality Gotcha but i doubt Mc will throw him in yet i think this year he'll be in the U20's and then if all goes well he may go out on loan for a month or 2 then maybe take Delaneys squad place next year.
Of course if he goes that well in the 20's ala Clarkson then give him a go asap teh same with Hood and Singleton.

He's still at school though and is also taking vital exams during next season, this will probably restrict him a bit for next season

How old is he now. Not sure if this will be his year to break through. Certainly won't be long though I wouldn't have thought.

likewise!

The thread has got me thinking that there could be exciting times ahead with so many good young prospects coming through.

McShane and Wheeler, probably the two most over rated young players I have seen in the last five years.

Ones to watch for you guys Stevie Ward, or Jordan Baldwinson.

There's one or two senior figures at Leeds that have got high hopes for Stevie Ward - if the things I've heard about this lad are true then the kid might be the 'one to watch' for next year.

Only slight concern is that our impressive conveyor belt of talent doesn't seem to be churning out any decent half backs

That's probably the role Briscoe is earmarked for isn't it? IIRC he can play fullback as well, but we're hardly short of options there.

But do we have an out and out scrum half in the mix? A kid who knows his craft,one who steps onto the paddock and the supporters thinks there's Rob Burrows heir apparent?

He's the Sam Tomkins, Jonny Lomax of the forwards.

Did saints and Wigan pish about with those. Give the kid a run and let him learn the best way.

depends in what context the pies think hock is one to watch

Over rated by whom? I'm not really fussed how they're rated by the fans, what matters is how they're rated by the club. We haven't over-promoted too many young players in recent years; those that have been given a chance have, by and large, done the job.

One to watch? I'll go with rhinoms and say Clarkson. Has the potential to match Ellis by my reckoning.