Looking at this contract it would appear Ablett is the natural successor to Sinfield - we need to find a way to make the transition as smooth as poss. I would not drop Sinfield maybe they could swap roles?

Ablett is a very gifted ball-handling forward - you don't get selected as often as he has without bring something to the party

I think this is good news. I think he is possibly a little underrated (although this thread actually suggests otherwise). He's a useful player as he is, but I particularly like that he's improving all the time and the occasional glimpses of something more special suggest that the player he could develop into will be a bargain on this 4 year contract.

I think 13 might be a good position for him, as Mr Storms suggests. He is a different player to Sinfield, but there is more than one way to play 13. He's a very dynamic kind of back-rower, a little less cerebral than Sinfield, but has his own strengths which can be nurtured.

A four year deal suggests the club has every confidence in his abilities and has a very clear idea of the role they want him to play. I'm just wondering which other squad members would be offered four year deals, were they all up for renewal.

Good service, reliabilty, performance and flexibilty. So a 'no-brainer' re-signing.

Room for improvement? Yes. But he does a job.

Will he hung out to dry if he does 10 years for the blue and amber. Wanting a bloody benefit game in a few years. Bloody players showing their bloody loyalty. Pah.

IIRC he's been on a succession of 1 year deals so he's really earned this. Made himself an invaluable member of the squad.

Shows how reactionary some of our fans are that they're already suggesting he takes on Sinfield's role.

I'd keep him in the role he's adapted to so well to earn this role and keep Sinfield in the role he's done so well if it were me. If there's an injury to the halves or Sinfield then, of course, Ablett is perfect for 13.

Great news for me. Nice long term contract aswell.

A fantastic member of the team and he’s got a lot more to come from him I recon. One of the dark horses of the club that’s become good

Are you Dean Lance?

Depends how much we're paying him. He's a solid enough player who's handy at three positions (right SR, right centre, loose) and seems fairly resilient to injury. Certainly a useful member of the squad, and hopefully now tied up without putting a big dent in our cap space.

Nah, his yootoob vids are crap.

As the G has said above, after a sucession of one year deals he has earned the contract in sweat and blood. Good on him.

Will this take him up to his testamonial? It won't be far off. I think he made his debut in 2004

Whose Youtube vids? Damos or Dean Lances?

Damos are weird and Lances are all of basketball.

Terrific news. Another who I thought wouldn't make it. Just goes to show that the people in the know are the people who make the decisions

My Youtube videos might be rubbish and mildly funny. But they not weird so please stop calling that SRS

No.....they are weird.

Really pleased for him. For me he was our most improved player last year.

The players must really love playing for the club, given the choice they always want to stay, and I think thats something that can't be overlooked, we seem to have a wonderful team spirit.

Cringe worthy maybe but not weird. I don’t make weird videos. I never have done and I never will do.

He's certainly earned that 4 year deal after the last 2 one year deals.
A very valuable member of the squad not only because he's a very good second row he's not bad at loose forward or centre and at a pinch could also play at 6.

Ive been a massive ablett fan since I first saw him play! I'm well chuffed about this!

"the glue"

Gareth the point I was trying to make his is a natural loose forward - this would seem to be where he is heading.

This is a key position in the way Leeds play that requires some exposure on the field. What you are saying is leave him where he is until Sinfield retires and then ask him to take over - that seems a bit haphazzard.

I am suggesting a gradual evolution into the role by swapping them around for certain games - otherwise how does he get the experience?

Not at all.

Firstly, this isn't about personal development of an individual player. Its' about what's best for the team.

For now, and the foreseeable future, what is proven to be best for the team is the triangle of McGuire, Burrow and Sinfield. Ablett has found his role and done very well with it.

On the occasions that Sinfield is injured or has to play in the halves we have excellent cover with Ablett but that is as far as it should go, IMO.

I wouldn't dilute the team now to begin preparations for an event 4 years down the line.

Fair points - who is to say it would dilute the team? might improve it - might not.

Using your logic we would never find out - I suppose we have to trust the coaching set up to deliver the correct solution.