I think they only cost us 50% of wages because they'd been on the books over 10 years

No Sutcliffe or Minchella on that list.

If McGuire next injured next year I think we will definitely struggle! A old head lose forward with a good kicking game could come in handy, like Jon Wilkin

Lilley has been terrific in the NZ game. I'd have no hesitation to see him start a few games in the halves next season.

Yes he was outstanding. Looks ready to step up already.

Steady. He was good last night and looked competent at hooker a few weeks back but week in week out sl is too early yet.

Bed him in slowly if injuries permit. Him and Sutcliffe could be out half backs for 10-15 years if we get the treatment of them right over the next couple of years.

Not saying he should be first choice or playing week in week out. But he is ready for around 10-12 games and more if injuries to main halfs.

He's not strong enough in the middle defensively, and he doesn't try and make up for his lack of size with better technique. He can't be a first choice hooker for any SL side unless he improves his defense.

He's very vocal and doesn't shy away from wanting his hands on the ball, something that Sutcliffe still struggles with IMO. The little half break and offload for Moon's second was a nice touch.

There's plenty to work with, and I'd like to see him playing somewhere in the Championship on dual reg next year or on a loan with a recall option

Dual reg for a club like Fev would be ideal for Lilley and Golding, but hopefully both will get a decent amount of first team action for Leeds too, though in Golding's case if Hardaker doesn't get injured that would most likely be on the wing.

There's a good case for sending Golding and Lilley out on season-long loans to somewhere like Bradford or Wakefield where they'd get first team action on a regular basis. OTOH, you want them available at LS6 in case we pick up an injury and need them.

In any case, I think those writing us off for next year after losing Kylie, JP & Kev are well wide of the mark. Would back us to pick up at least one trophy next year on top of the WCC.

I'd much rather see Lilley go on loan and be starting games at a decent level at scrum half, rather than see him getting the odd game as an interchange hooker. Scrum half is a specialist position and he's only ever going to improve by playing games there. Playing him at DH at this stage would be a backward step for his long term development.

Been speaking to a friend today who is in the team. He told me we have definitely been in for big Sam. Wouldn't say anything else.

Agree with sending younger ones on loan to championship. Not sure how I forgot Sutcliffe from earlier list. Be interesting to see if he gets the goal kicking job next year. Achurch did not look very fit last night but if he is going am surprised he played and risked another serious injury. If he is on near £100k he needs a big injury free season next time.

I can't do the link ,but there is another Australian article about Sam Burgess in negotiations to return to League and Leeds have been mentioned

Martyn Sadler has tweeted about Leeds:

"It's a very good week for the club and its fans."

RT by the Rhinos too...

My guess would be that Sam will come to Leeds for 1 season until Souths sort out their cap space and then he will return here. I can see GH having a chat with Russell Crowe to help him out given Crowe's admiration for Leeds.

Let's see...

I can see how the headline was designed to make people 'put 2 & 2 together' but I reckon he was talking about the staging of and attendance at the NZ game

He's off back to the Bunnies. Cut and dried.

Word is that Burgess does not like Madge, Luke leaving had as much to do with his dislike for Madge as wanting the go to NZ. It was an easy get out. Burgess may wait a season or 2 till Madge moves on perhaps taking the Storm job when Bellyache finishes up.

If he can get out of his Bath contract, you'll be seeing Sam Burgess in a Rhinos Shirt

Last weekend Bath played their Englsnd WC guys including Burgess on the bench. This weekend just gone he was missing from the squad altogether. Their line was he was being "rested" even though the other WC guys weren't. Apart from the Wales game he's hardly played any minutes to need a "rest"....sounds suspicious to me.

There is something happening. Negotiations to bring him to Leeds. There are noises from within the club they are trying to make it happen in a big way, and it's not as crazy as some people might think.

If Leeds pull it off, I for one will be very happy.

I was looking forward to Clark pulling on a Leeds shirt, who apparently wanted to be at Leeds, I was quite happy when Westerman didn't happen but both were done deals. I would love Burgess at Leeds, but can't see it. The only thing that may make it happen is the coach/player dynamic at Souths and or lack of cap space with NRL pre season just around the corner. if we got him for 1 or 2 seasons that would be very special.

GH might be trying to sell him on the WCC and a stab at SL domestic honours.

I'm sure you're right. But it's Monday morning and I'm up for a bit of self-delusion