So your saying it's going to take 3 people to replace 1. My god that boy were good

Whilst I'd love to see all 3 of those come through and become first team regulars, I do feel that with Smith going it would be wise to replace him with an established centre, maybe from Australia. Whilst it's good to have youngsters coming through, even in recent times that has been suplemented by signing more experienced players, such as Webb, Ali, Furner and Ellis.

The only potential down side I suppose G1 is that means paying three players to cover three positions whereas previously you could do it with just one.

Given we're hardly likely to be banging our heads on the salary cap ceiling however, that's not an issue at the minute.

Spot on G-man.

Just saw Bluey's interview on SSN. When does the RU season start?

Around the same time as the football season.

Pre-season will start some time in July at a guess, although those players away with the Lions might get an extended break.

Who said the following:

[i"We are looking at all players, in the National Leagues just as we are the NRL. As we look towards our squad for next year, there's three different elements to that. The first is retaining the players we have already got, which is something we have been doing. The second is promoting players within our system and the third is recruiting new players. We have already spoken to a number of clubs on a confidential basis, across the board – here and abroad. It is all part of the process of identifying players who could be potential Leeds Rhinos. It is not certain there will be new faces for next year, but we have to be aware of who may be available."[/i

How does that differ from Wigan's approach?

I think if money is to be spent, it needs to be the pack. Without a solid pack it makes close to jack all difference who we have out wide.

Would love a signing of Lyon though

Well Bluey was speaking about how Lee finishes the season, which is good news for Leeds, I guess.

If he does go to Union it will be a massive shame, he's a good player and I believe we didn't see the very best of Lee Smith.

I don't know. Maybe in adhering to the salary cap and winning trophies are the major differences.

Who says the cheque book has to be for forgein players?

Makes me laugh the presumtious response to that statement.
Like i've said on here before, Gleeson was available, or what about a bid for Shenton or Yeaman?

Wigan's is the other way around: Signings first priority, promotion next, retention last.

Agree with G1 about BJB he does remind me of a young David Peachey on the few times I have seen him, Wether or not he or the other fringe players are ready to step up to a full super league season we will have to wait and see.Its not always good to rush these things and Leeds have been good at bringing players in from youth teams gradually over a time .

They have,he's called Coady

Heheheh mate, met too, me too.

In true Hetherington style it will be along the lines of:

''We will scour all available options both at home and in the NRL to replace Lee''......then a few months later when announcing next years squad numbers the number 3 shirt will be left open to tease us then after Coady has impressed in the pre season games it will be ''We think we have identified Coady as a player with huge potential and to show our faith in him we are handing him the number 3 shirt''



All IMO of course

Yeah I'd agree with that. The academy can probably fill the gap left by Smith, but my worry is the gap that will be left by Senior whenever he retires. To replace someone like Senior who has such a big effect on the team is probably beyond the capabilities of the academy and I think the only option is to sign someone. However due to the lack of quality centres in SL this would mean a signing from the NRL.
I dont think this is unreasonable in the circumstances.

It's true, we, as fans, have been let down quite badly by the squad assembled by trhe club over the past few years in which the second rate recruits have hardly won any titles at all or contested 4 of the 5 Grand Finals. Shocking scenes. Bring back the old days of free spending in the late 80s and early 90s. You couldn't move for silverware at Headingley back then.

You are doug laughton and i claim my £5

I have stayed at my current employer many times in the face of such offers, mostly because I place great value on enjoying my job and working with people I consider to be friends.

That's not to say I'll stay here forever, I'm sure I won't, but money isn't everything.

You can't have your £5. I spent it on Richie Eyres. Sorry.

Not a complaint pal,just an observation on what will happen.

I think that's the problem. Do we look at, effectively, a replacement for Senior now, meaning the 2 of them are first choice centres next season? Does that help or hinder the development of Watkins and co?

Assuming Keith retires at the end of next season then that's the way I'd like us to go; have Keith and A.N Other next year, with the view to having A.N Other and Kallum as first choice in 2011.

Thats a decent approach. I would hope that the powers that be identify the future need and fill it. The question is where do we get someone. Leeds have built their sucess around Keith in many ways, and I'm not sure you would get a top NRL star here for even half the time that Keith has been here.

that is sooo right as well... we know GH too well.