IMO Buderus was a better player than Cunningham or Roby, but all 3 were great players and would be in the top 5 hookers to play in Super League.

Buderus was the best hooker to play in super league, better than Ruby and Cunningham.
But I mean that based on his quality over his career, not necessarily in Super League.
I agree, we probably didn’t see his best years, but I saw enough to know he’s the best hooker that’s played in SL.

Similar to looking back at Sterling, Kenny, Grothe and Meninga.
We didn’t see much of them over here.
But we know that they were the best.

I think more the point is some fans notice things others do not , hece the reason some realise how good he was and others do not

Which do you think was his best game for Leeds?

Anyway this King looks a reasonable prospect...

I’m thinking this signing might be a good shout; Mik, Zane, Tommy and King not a bad combination.

Tell you one thing, there is some competition for places in various positions now. Our bench selection will be intriguing.

If King turns out to be a find it’s starting to look like a very decent front row that will hugely improve in years to come with Mik and Tommy who will improve no end.

I agree it's the bench spots that be the most intriguing. If all fit we will have a fair few players disappointed.

Unless injured or in appalling form I'd say dwyer,holroyd and smith take up three places.most people would probably want another prop on the bench in which case king might get the nod.i struggle to see thompson missing out though.

Can see Newman displacing Sutcliffe quickly, and then not sure he stays in the 17 for one.

We’re going to show up well in 2021, I’m confident. Whether we’re top-of-the-table good yet, probably not but I don’t think we’re way off now on paper.

Excited to see the side in another year or two. Imagine Walker, Newman, Tindall running out wide a little bit bigger and more experienced - some real strike there.

Wonder whether King might actually play some back row instead of Mellor. Mik-Leeming-Tet-King-Martin-Prior is a pretty physical pack.

I think we may only go with one prop on the bench if Prior starts at 13 as i expect him to do a shift at prop.Smith to 13 from the bench.

I'm not saying he wasn't a legend, just not really for us.
2009 injured and missed most of season.
2010 most of team were poor
2011 came good end of season, but we were pants for most of the year.
Can't even compare him to Roby and Cunningham in SL. They have I've 10 years of brilliant form to their club....

I think, rightly or wrongly, they might use Thompson as a middle this year off the bench but we will see.

I agree.inwhich case can have both him and king on the bench?

I don’t see much difference between starting 3 props with 1 on the bench and starting 2 props with 2 on the bench. Whether Prior is named at prop or 13 he will essentially doing the same job.

For me we would ideally have 4 big props who can be rotated plus 2/3 players who can do a good job at loose.

From the squad as it stands, id go

Oledzki
Leemig
Tetavano
Mellor
Martin
Prior

Dwyer
Holroyd
King V
Smith

Cant see Donaldson missing out though unfortunately, nothing against him as a player, but hate only having 1 prop on the bench, even with prior at 13 and moving to prop for a spell.

That's then 5 props do we need to use 5 per match?

I'd class prior as a loose forward who can play prop if we are desperate.

I can easily see Donaldson missing out but not Thompson

For me, its better to have 5 props than Donaldson and smith both on the bench, more size the better aslong as it dosnt make you imoblie , and our 5 props are all mobile and athletic. Its really just personal opinion though, do you want Donaldsons solid defensive stint off the bench or a bigger, more dynamic ball carrier? Id always go for the ball carrier.

This genuinely might be my ignorance, but what's the difference in playing Prior at loose to prop? It's not like he is ball playing (although he does have good hands). He's still defending in the middle unit and driving up the pitch? Is it just the difference of having 3 props on the pitch rather than 2?

The other consideration is how much the 6 again rule will change the way teams play. I like the idea of more mobility and a slightly lighter pack to reflect that.

King V plays both prop and back row so it depends how he’s used

If he's used as backrower I'll be disappointed that we've used our only overseas spot to add strength to an area we are already quite strong.

This is the pack and bench I’d pick. Bodene Thompson may get in ahead of someone. Donaldson has the heart of a lion and always gives it 100% but I can’t see Donaldson getting in the 17 without injuries (which we will pick up through the season so I expect him to get game time still)

Let’s see how he goes and give him a chance before were disappointed with him. The fact he can play either prop or second row is surely an advantage. I believe he started out on the wing too.