Ablett does have a lot to learn, he's a rookie. He is an attacking threat and also knows the way to the try line. He will improve, as his development is ongoing. I feel we'd see the best of him with a regular run at second row. As for Smith, he's quality. And I see no reason why he can't do a job there, but that remains to be seen. As soon as Smith is fit, I presume he'll be put straight back at 3. Hopefully Donald will be back, and finding some form. I know injuries tell, but we need to get a settled right flank. Smith with Donald seems the logically partnership. Now they will need time to blend and tune in with each others game. But I hope we can see some resolution to this flank sooner, rather than later.

Only talking the odd spell during games to cover injuries back in 03/04 and in the academy. Nothing regular, but its still a position that he has once been assigned to.

Instead of using Ablett in the centres, why not try Ali?

Because once again, you are just passing the problem from one position to another. Ali is our only match winning outlet in the backrow (although that appears a big statement this season on current form). So why put him in the centres instead.

I must say however, I do think we might have a little bit better balance, if we used Ali on the right instead of the left, whilst we have such poor options on the right.

Having watched McGuire play from the age of 10 with his original club at East Leeds and later at Hunslet Boys Club onwards with the Leeds City under 16s and watching all his academy matches. I can say with some certainty that he has never in his career at Headingley been picked at centre to start a game. I remember him playing at full back at Warrington, from which he scored a memorable try, fielding a kick in his own half and running right through the Warrington team and scoring between the posts.

I seem to remember seeing him on the wing once as well but not sure whether he was moved there mid-game.
Personally I think it would be a disaster to move McGuire to centre, his defence isn't good enough for a centre (certainly no better than Ablett's at centre) and since we have Ablett, Watkins, Gibson and Smith who have at least played in that position before it would seem a strange decision to move him.

It always amazes me that people thin moving the current GB Stand Off into a position he has never played is going to change the form slump we seem to be in.

Yes we are playing badly at the moment, but we are still in the top three and we will hit form again, simply moving players around willy nilly is not the way to gain that form IMHO.

Named on the wing for a game against Wigan(?) at home IIRC with Mathers at full-back and Dunnemann at 6. Seem to recall Mathers and McGuire actually swapping however so McGuire played full back and Mathers on the wing to start.

May have been the game that finished 24-all?

I saw Ablett at Crown Point on Saturday, buying things. With me. I too was buying things. Which makes Ablett utter world class.

So the answer to a slump in form isn't to strip Sinfield of the captaincy, sack the coach and / or board, dismantle the squad, or play even more players out of position?

Actually mate I quite like that

...maybe a little too radical but at least you're showing some imagination. Would be happier with Senior still at no.4 ...Watkins is a brilliant prospect but should be groomed as a gradual replacement for Keith. Good on ya. One thing for sure is we should stop asking poor old Ablett to "fill in' ....let him develop in the back row: he deserves it for being a real team guy. He deserves nothing but praise for his unselfish attitude.

Leeds have played 440 games during the SL Era, Danny McGuire has started this many (0) in the centres on the teamsheet.




Might of been but it wasn't. It was the FE match of 2003 and Daryl Powell's last game in charge after he dropped Calderwood (Odsal debacle) and Carney went the virtual length twice.

It will be interesting to see how many change their tune about players, coaches, coaching, positions etc come saturday night if there is a change in fortune. It could become a very interesting board on the come sunday. McF with finger heavily poised over the delete/banned button.

When was last time you saw McGuire play centre?

ablett is not a centre but can,in an emergency,muddle through.
mcguire,is not,and never will be, a centre as long as i have a hole in my rectum

H-T-H

Strictly speaking you probably don't have a hole in your rectum......

i know that,but it's a vastly under rated word

I think putting him there would take away what little creativity we have left from the centre of the park and we'd lose more than we'd gain.

He's more use where he is now rather than being shifted outside and likely ending up with even less and poorer ball.

Thats not what you said though.

I agree with you. But you said he was not a centre.

Never for 80 mins as he isnt one

Original statement retracted