Whatever happend to Mike Ratu?

I would take anyone over the Ginger "NRL Reserve" yellow surrender monkey that is Scott Donald.


Addtionally Leeds always make the right choice with regards wingers.


Regards,


Jason Robinson and Gareth Raynor

Be fair Richie - Robinson was a half back at Leeds (and when he first moved to Wigan). Mind you, how Leeds didn't spot the fact that Gareth Stephens would never amount to much is beyond me.....

In a time long long ago Leeds attempted to sign a good friend of mine and was promised a signing on fee signed, having said that he subsequently signed for Sheffield after the said fee never materialised in his bank account!!

How Rugby League has changed.

Peter Fox or do you not rate him ?

I agree on the second row issue. I think he will be there by end of 2011, and will make a very good backrower.

Having your dad contributing to the decision usually helps.

We are in danger of this turning into another self flagellation thread on "great f*** ups in recruitment at Leeds RLFC".

I've never seen him pass a ball so have no idea if he would be any good as a centre.

I have been in this discussion before. And as I signed as a junior at the same time, I can say with some confidence that Gareth was the best scrumhalf around at the time, regardless of his dad having input. He was a far better halfback than Robinson.

is it a case of `great young player, wrong time` for JB?

This is true.

Stephens was a far better half back.

In fact, Stephens had a far better career as a half back than Robinson did.

He's emerged into a big, strong, pacy young winger.

Why on earth the obsession with making him something else?

The only thing that stopped it being a lousy call was the looseness of the carry given that Broughton was desperate to get the ball to ground rather than submitting to the tackle even if he ended in goal. The video ref decision appeared to be that he'd lost control rather than it being stolen. 50/50 for me.



That appears the case but Donald was already looking ineffective when the deal was concluded and it hasn't got any better since. GH has history here in retaining Cummins while Raynor was allowed to slip though Leeds' fingers and Peter Fox has attained International honours pretty quickly too. Does the ex second rower have a problem recognising potential in wingers?



I have and I haven't. Watkins will make it, I have no doubt about that and have always said so. He is Keith Senior's heir apparent and that succession should take place gradually during the 2010 season. It's interesting that his best appearances to date seem to come from the wing rather than the centre where (one pass to Donald V Celtic apart) he's been a weakness.

Gibson on the other hand I see no potential in at centre or as he played on Sunday in the second row. Time to let him find his level which is not in a SL side challenging for trophies.

Yes you have. Hull at Headingley two weeks ago.

The carry was loose but the Wakefield player simply plucked it out of his hand. i was surprised nobody discussed it from the angle of a ball steal on the Sky Panel.

Its' unfortunate but you can't keep all the juniors. Still, with raynor, Fox and Calderwood that is 3 wingers who have gone on to acheive full international honours since we let them go.

With Donald I'd imagine Hetherington and the coaching staff are taking a much broader view than his cirrent poor form.



I don't thin Watkins has been a weakness but he's certainly had his momentary struggles. With both I him and Gibson I don't think the way the coach has handled the right centre has helped.

That is looking the likely outcome.

There was an angle that showed the ball leave his hand as it rolled on the turf without a Wakefield player grabbing at it. I think that determined the loose carry opinion. Still a 50/50 rather than lousy.

I think it was in his hand at the time the Wakefield player plucked it so thought it was a lousy call but meh!

The emergence of Calderwood through the Academy is what probably caused Raynor to be released to Hull. Calderwood (younger) being seen as the better prospect. Hard to disagree with that assessment at the time as Calderwood scored for fun at the lower level and Raynor came late to the club. My problem with the decision to release was that they got the wrong fella altogether, it should have been the OOC that season Cummins who was even then stealing a living at Leeds.

I'm afraid recent Leeds history could repeat itself.

as a hull fan, i would like us to sign broughton on a permanent basis if leeds are happy to let him go. Aprt from his obvious pace, and his strength, which i dont think has been mentioned yet, i ,ike his desire and his attitude.

He has that "leeds" style attitude that mathers had, the jumping around and celebrating mistakes and good play and that is something you dont see from him unless you see him live. He is always trying to encourage the team which i find weird from a week by week player!

I agree with you though Cummins did have that something that endeared him to a plethora of coaching staffs and team mates.

It wasn't something that materialised during match days towards the latter end of his career but I'd guess he was a very, very positive influence around training and the dressing rooms.

A great example really and what hard work and dedication can achieve despite limited abilities.

how long is his contract

All valid points and emphasises that while we all like to think we know better and we'd do different we are all hopelessly in the dark when it comes to the information needed to make the call..

If Yeaman passes the ball out wide instead of glory hunting he would look even better!

If you think Yeaman's bad, just wait until Leeds eventually sign Ryan Atkins.

Whoever is outside him has my deepest sympathies.

Did he at any point pass to his winger (Hall) on Saturday? And that was in a dominant side with space to play...

I am a big fan of Broughton. He impressed me during pre season in the friendlies expecially versus wakey on boxing day.
But at this present time we have Watkins, Gibson, Ben Jones Bishop and Smith who can play on the wing so keep him getting experience and he could build into a quality player for the future.