I'm pretty sure Widdopp said he was sorted with the Dragons when these rumours first came up some time ago. I'd also suggest that if it comes down to money, Leeds wouldn't be anywhere near what NRL clubs could offer - the exchange rate is still not what it was and the tax-free loophole has gone, not to mention the NRL cap is going to increase rapidly and there is currently a shortage of top class halfbacks in the NRL meaning they're massively sought after, pushing their wages up. About the only thing a SL side could offer in return is length of contract, so I'd suggest if there's anything to this story its likely to be an older player on a long-term deal.

I'd say Gallen is a more likely bet if you're looking at 'top' players. Happy to be wrong if it is Widdopp, I just don't see it happening.

For what it's worth... Widdop would make sense. My contact within the club worked with him for England and at the time he said that Leeds was the only club he would move to if he came to SL. I know we are or have been in for him, and money was the only issue.

The fact we have signed more overseas players than we normally do, I think a young Englishman to replace Sinfield would make total sense.

Don't worry Rodge,he's one of the fickle variety.He has'nt been a fan since the glory days.HTH

I can't recall us ever having any fickle fans

Through thick and thin

Sometimes people from the most ardent Bradford backgrounds end up at Leeds.

Not a chance mate

Once a Bull, always a Bull

Don't be so defeatist, there is always hope

You just need an epiphany on the road to Headingley

Once a bull always a bull? We'll always in Bradford RL doesn't mean a very long time .How many times have they closed and reformed and given themselves new names?

All this talk of top top players I may try to get home for more than my usual 3 home games plus finals

Bradford Bulls,eh? You know, I'd forgotten all about them...

I've heard tell of them. Legend has it that they were a great side who came from the North and were led by a Nobleman. But apparently it all turned to poop when they tangled with the Dark Lord Hetherington over the services of a famous Welsh Wizzard who had a magical spell for breaking contracts. Apparently they were banished to a land of despair never to return until they conquer the "middle 8's"

I reckon it's just a load of Bull.

It will be great if we sign Widdop but he's still saying he's happy at St George's?

Widdop is staying at St George. Rumours of Trent Hodkinson coming to Leeds were doing the rounds but he's set for a move to Gold Coast. Leeds and Wire are battling it out for Chris Sandow. Wire are favourites I believe. Brierley to Leeds on a free is a big possibility

I thought Hodkinson has signed for Newcastle Knights ?

He is. Leaving our other 'rumoured' target (sorry agent propaganda

) Tyrone Roberts to leave the knights and sign for the Titans

I agree. I also read that Sandow might stay in nrl and if Leigh get promoted Brierley stays with them. The number of possible new playmakers is diminishing?

Obviously a regular Trollin'

As Sandow totally fits the Rhino recruitment policy! A headless chicken with his alcohol/disipline issues and well published gambling addiction.

Wire bound, good luck to em.

Why the perceived desperation for a playmaker for next year? We will still have Burrow McGuire Sutcliffe, with Lilley as a youngster and Hardaker and Moon able to fill in.

Seems odd that we would be desperate to bring in an unproven 24 year old championship half or a rocks or diamonds Aussie with off the field problems. Seems very risky to Mr when we could be left with a relatively well paid flop for 3 years and still be needing a half or two next off season.

I tend to agree, if widdop was available now I would be happy. I think he would be a good fit for our team.
Roberts and shadow I am not bothered about, not particularly bothered about breirley either. I would rather wait for the right HB for the 2017 season when it really matters than go for a desperation signing.

McGuire, and Burrow will be 33, Sutcliffe will be recovering from a knee reconstruction, and Moon and Hardaker won't make decent half backs as long as they have holes in their backsides.
A play maker may not be totally necessary in 2016 but, it will be in 2017, and such is the rarity, and competition for quality halves that Leeds would be daft not to be in the market for one at this stage.

Thanks for your input sgtwilko.
Apologies I mixed up Hodkinson & Roberts!! Either way Sandow IS being linked with us and Wire. Personally I think the whole "Brierley will stay at Leigh if they get promoted" is a load of rubbish:

1) Brierley handed in 2 transfer requests when GH bid for him last winter.
2) Brierley is not in a position to tell the Rhinos to wait until the end of the season for him.

Also FWIW Sutty is not a halfback. He should be played at loose. Therefore we do need a stand off. I'd go for Brierley.

I don't disagree that we will probably need one at some point. I'm not sure that point is now and your argument kind of backs up why. Top halves are rare. But we aren't talking about top halves. We are talking about a 24 year old championship half back who looks a stone or two two small for regular SL rugby and a hot or cold aussie with personal issues. Why take the risk on them when we aren't desperately in need for next year?

I mean if the option was getting Thurston next year and going with a half heavy squad I'd agree. Get him in. But half's the quality of Sandown are ten a penny in the NRL there will be players as good as him and without the baggage available next year and Brierley should be looked at as a punt. An amor or yates level signing. If he comes good great but don't expect it. Certainly not the type of signing to be mortgaging the farm on.

I'm not one for needless shuffling players into different positions. But in Joel Moon's case I would be intrigued. does so much in attack and defence which catches the eye and impresses. But rarely looks a great centre.

Your comments on Brierley are interesting. Are we linked with Sandow, I've only seen Wire mentioned?

Robert Lui - *ahem*