Nailed on DHM.

BTW, here's a pose for you. Given that we got within one game of the GF in 2010 if Peacock, McGuire and Burgess had not gotten injured would last Saturday have been Leeds 5th consecutive championship?

I think even if only McGuire had not got injured in the last minute at the JJB then we'd have beaten Wigan at Headingley and won the Championship last year.

We could have won last year with those 3 but who knows, lets not turn into Jon Wilkin eh.

Why are you quoting yourself G1?

This will definately happen!

As already alluded to, the loss of Buderus cannot be underestimated. McShane and/or Hood may have plenty of tricks going forward, but neither will get close to the 40+ effective tackles Buderus put in, which in my opinion had a massive bearing on the Grand Final outcome. Other than that there's no reason to believe this squad - even without any further additions - wont be in a good position to compete next season, they certainly have the belief in themselves

I noticed a distinct lack of dirty leeds, leeds only pass forward & leeds run red hall threads this year whilst we were poor.

But we did get the joy of the "ridiculous play off system" from certain boards once they didn't make OT.

I am surprised the salary cap threads didn't make a come back that were conspicuous by their absence in 2010.

After learning my lession this year, I won't doubt they can do it again. If they do or not is another matter. Our forwards are older which isn't a issue and that's where you want more experienced players, with a smattering of youth. However the back look really fast and exciting. I have been particulary impressed with how quick hardaker seemed to learn centre position

5, 16, 22, 23, 35, 42.

And we did 'have it easy' in both the challenge cup and the play-offs. We only won because the opposition were so crap! Bless 'em, they don't like it do they!

I honestly think we'd have won last year and made it 4 on the trot.

But this year? Far too many variables. Would bluey have stayed? if so do you believe one coach could oversee 4 consecutive titles in the modern era?

Either way, 4 in 5 years and 5 in 8 years is pretty dominant. Won more grand finals than any other team now.

People talk about history. We create our own history.

Because I am that important.

Yes I've seen those one's about 5th being better than 4th, it doesn't stack up in the real world though.

At least theyve gone from here telling us "how the mighty are fallen"and"we are the champions now"so we are not gonna hear that for a while

[codeOooh, hark at her.[/code

The outlook looks so much better than at this time last year, if for no other reason than having JP and McGuire fit and back to form. If we then factor in the way the young backs have settled into the first team we have to be positive about our chances next year.

We seem to have cover in most positions and will need them as we are bound to have some injuries where all the squad will be called upon.

By far the best thing to be looking forward to, for me, is some exciting quality rugby. The team has regained some of the playing style of a few years ago and has been refeshed with some very talented youngsters.

I think if we can stay clear of injuries to key palyers we have a great chance. I Cant wait for next season to start.

Having read on 'other boards' that it is easier to win the GF from 5th than from 2nd I can't understand the reasoning .
In the first week 2nd played a team that finished below them . So did 5th .
Now I might be wrong , but after that didn't we play three teams that finished ABOVE us ? Surely that is harder than finishing in 2nd and only playing teams that finished below you all the way to the (semi)final


Winning it from any position is quite an achievement . From 5th is taking the proverbial .

well the obvious other boards you have been reading about being easier finishing 5th ,they have had plenty of experience of trying to win it from round about 5th, so why argue with them

It is just as easy , if not easier , to win it from 2nd (or 1st)


Don't we usually have a victory over Wigan on the way to the Grand Final though ?

I think its been mentioned, maybe even in the commentary.

Saints route, was Wigan away, then Wigan at home.

Leeds was Hull, Hudds, Warrington.

ok, so its more games, and its knock out games all the way, but I can understand the thinking. The games are only considered harder becuase we played at teams finishing above us, so only relatively harder. For me Wigan & Wire, were equally strong, but on their own Hull & Hudds are much easier games on their own.

two clubs have both had the experience of trying to get to the GF from the lower reaches of the play off standings,and Warrington chose Leeds as their passport to the GF .