I agree that Ablett and Delaney are better used elsewhere. That said, if we are going to put faith in Watkins staying fit, and Hardaker (unexpected as it is) looks like he has all the tools, wouldn't Welham end up either dislodging one of those or being a rather expensive back-up? I suppose you could argue for moving BJB to full-back long-term and Hardaker to the wing, but I quite like BJB and Hardaker where they are.

So, if we go along with that, we have two very exciting young centres, who have gained some excellent experience this year. Should anything befall either of them, our back-up (for emergency use only) is one centre who has won 2 Grand Finals playing there and another who has played loads of first grade in SL and NRL there. That seems quite well stocked to me!

The issue for me, as I think we agree on, is that Hardaker was so much quicker-than-expected adapting to life there that the urgent need to recruit to replace Senior has really faded a bit, so it seems likely that this would be an approach that Leeds would now have backed quietly away from, if it ever happened.

Of course, if GH and co privately suspect that Watkins' injury situation is chronic (and I sincerely hope that isn't the case) then the need to recruit may still remain.

Doesn't look too shabby at centre at the moment
1) Hardaker
2) Watkins

3) Smith
4) Senior
5) Ablett (back row but proved with 2Gf rings at centre can cover)
6) Delaney

Seems to be a fair bit of cover at the moment. Would prefer to pay a transfer fee to try and replace Ali type back row

I still don't think having only 2 dedicated centres in the team is enough, even at that Hardaker isn't a specialist centre. Welham accompanied with a strike second rower would leave a well balanced squad imo, with no real lack of depth in any position other than arguably hooker depending on where Burrow will play. I am all for bringing in the best English talent available, and other than Atkins and Shenton I would say Welham is up there in super league as one of the best British centres anyway.

Gotcha the coaches moved Hardaker into the centre role playing for the u20's a few months ago that to me says planning rather than luck.
Granted he's adapted quickly to get up to SL standard and no doubts he's still got plenty to learn but to me it seems the club had planned to move him there and even when Wilson played he moved into the back row.

I said no such thing.

I maintained Ablett was actually playing better than most centres in the league in the position. I called for hardaker to be given a run in the position before he was given it. I was happy with Watkins and happy with Delaney and Smith as depth behind those three.

It may have escaped people's attention but we have won two Grand Finals with Carl Ablett at centre. I agree it may not be his best position but there's no doubt he can play it well and we can succeed with him doing so.

I would still rather be in a position where should Watkins or Hardacre get injured we can put a centre in to replace them rather than a makeshift who obviously isn't going to play there long term in Ablett. Nothing wrong with him playing there as you say but it weakens the pack switching him or Delaney around. We obviously started last season with three centres in Delaney, Senior and Watkins, so I would assume we will looking to be doing the same this season, much like the two props brought in for Burgess and Cross, which meant we were two players down all last season.

Welham would be an excellent signing, Watkins hasn't won me over yet.

Welham is barely fit to lace Watkins boots. Watkins is different class, both in terms of now, and in terms of potential.

Totally agree and i think would be an excellent signing.

Watkins is class yes, but he's spending more time of the field than on it, when fit he would be 1st choice for me though

I said every man and his dog. Don't flatter yourself

.

It might only be agent talk but it's odd that there have been no denials from HQ. I think the Rhinos made an approach 2/3 months ago before Hardaker came through and maybe Smith was part of the deal. There's a strong feeling at the Rhinos that Smith will go before next season. If that is the case we are one player down. Webb goes next year and could go before if he wants to get out at the top. Then BJB to fullback, Hardaker on the wing and there'a a space at centre.
If we are then wanting to recruit, Welham is one of the best in SL with loads of potential and would add quality to the squad.

can we afford to carry the salary for potential and maybe hinder player developement with a lack of game time or does it have the potential to buy now loan back to HKR and take him in 2013?

Pointless thread. Welham's going nowhere. Gonna have to look elsewhere.

Nah ... He's coming to Leeds ( Watkins is better but his regular fitness is still not proven ). You're getting Smith.

Well, one thing's for sure, there's no-one at FC we're interested in ... (Or should I say, we've already scooped the young talent at Hull we remotely desired)

am sure tom briscoe wouldnt have any trouble getting a starting place in the 17

luke briscoe? time will tell i guess

I can't see any argument for signing a centre unless Watkins' injuries are likely to continue. There really isn't any evidence for that apart from the fact that he's had some bad injuries so far. I recall suggesting we get rid of JJB years ago because he had a dreadful run of injuries in his early years.

I don't have a problem with who we've already got. Ablett and Delaney being moved around doesn't worry me too much at all TBH - they and the rest of the pack have easily enough experience to cope if required.

Hardaker's move to centre was obviously planned based on the fact that he was removed from the first team to make the move. It may have been planned 'on the run', but one of the strengths of good management is how they react to changes. Hardaker's performances at the end of the year ought to have made management look again at the requirement for a new centre.

As for Smith, its up to him. I'd hope he'd be ambitious enough to want to fight back into the starting lineup at Leeds. I'd also hope that Welham has more ambition than to be first reserve centre at Leeds.

Looks like you may have too many wingers ... Wonder if Ryan Hall fancies a move and doesnt want much of a change in colours from amber and blue

I still think that a top second row with real impact is our best option. That would allow Ablett to be our prime centre, a job that he's shown he can excel in. I would still play him in the second row a fair amount This allows Watkins to play when fit (which hopefully won't be an issue), and Hardaker to get experience across the backs, playing more games than not.

Added to this I would give Ablett the 4 jersey, but would let hardaker player there as often as possible

dont be too quick to say that. a friend who is a journo was telling me we made an approach for yeaman last year but was turned down

Totally spot on.