the role of prop has changed massively in 15 years. At the time he was very good at what he did. Bradford had a very good at of props but only fielden and mcdermot could be considered better.

As I said very good go forward but limited defence especially laterally - having said that to play with only one eye at this level must take some doing

Sal I take you to be a man who thinks deeply about the game, is knowledgeable and has strong opinions. But leave this one now.

I doubt your views on Barry will be widely shared amongst the Leeds faithful and as he leaves the club after 20 years I think the positive view of his contribution will and should prevail.

p.s. Don't give up the day job to set up as a eulogy writer

I've always said that Fielden's loss of form (which sadly didn't prove to be temporary) coincided with Barry's retirement from playing. With Bazza giving him a slap on a regular basis, he went to pieces.

Lot more to it than that IMO.

Fielden was burned out - physically, mentally and emotionally by events on and off the field. He'd played in a position that takes a high physical toll on the body from a relatively young age.

I always thought he was a good prop but no more than that. even now I think people have rose tinted glasses on when they reminisce.
I think he's done bloody well, had a good career and everything that's come after, for someone who wasn't top class.

cue plenty of replies

Your right Tad. This happens a lot though, people confuse good with fans status. He worked for the crowd, they liked his passion, he ran hard, we all like that. But skill wise, he was way behind many others.

Sonny Nickle had some great times at Saints, does he have any legend status there? And he too was no great player, just tough. You could name a lot more.

Fair assessment for me. He came off second best a little too often to be considered a true great.

Considering some of the teams/packs he played in and chances he had to leave i'd say he's very much a "Leeds great" for e.g the Dulls had 4 1st choice props all working off each other and Lowes whereas Baz had Jaimie Mathiou & Wayne Mcdonald then Chris Feather and also mentored the young Props like Ward ,Bailey and Scruton.
He more than held his own individually for Club and Country and imo was one of our best Props of the modern era with a very good offload that in his later days under DP & TS was teh starting point for many great trys scored by us not bad for ok ,good and less skillful.
Cheers Baz an absolute pleasure!