Kirkstaller would have you believe [uhe[/u was wiped out in a flood.

Has the G man gone for the cheapest option here and made a wrong decision? Webby was always for the off at the end of this season, but retaining Kylie for another year simply means more of the same for our easily battered pack.

Perhaps if they trundle out to the rousing signature tune from Dad's Army next season, we may get a clearer insight to the sleeve's thinking.

Given Webb's contribution in attack, particularly in terms of try assists, I'm very disappointed we couldn't secure him for another season. I'm not convinced Leeds have a ready made replacement from within the squad - at least none of the young players offer Webb's passing guile. Ben Jones Bishop seems to have found his place on the wing and looks decidedly shaky at full-back. Five years ago Lee Smith looked like the answer, and despite sharing some of Webb's failings in indiscipline he lacks the pace and has become too much of a jack of all trades since. Hardaker may be the solution but I'd be loathed to change his position for the second time in a year, for risk of turning him into another Lee Smith. We need a skilled player with some experience to steady the backs for the next couple of years IMO.

The Leuluai decision to me suggests that the coaching staff are worried about our lack of grunt up front (as highlighted at Hull). Griffin and Moore have been steady but perhaps have not imposed themselves as much as we might have liked.

Unless further signings are made, we risk being in a situation next year of having just about the oldest front-row in SL and the youngest outside backs. This lack of balance in the squad is unhealthy. At least we have Ward, Hood and Lunt/McShane being in the mix for the more pivotal positions to cover/assist McGuire, Burrow and Sinfield.

Are you seriously saying if Billy Slater became available you would not want him?

It's not as straightforward a question as it looks though is it? First I would need to be convinced that Billy Slater was going to fit the culture and atmosphere in the dressing room. That's really what the foundation of our recent success seems to have been.

Obviously if everyone was happy with that aspect then yes, it would be great to have the best fullback in the world on board.

It's a little known fact that Billy Slater based aspects of his game on watching videos of Brent Webb. So in this respect, it would be an appropriate signing. stevemascord.com/2011/11/02/how- ... ew-angles/

It's a little known fact that Billy Slater based aspects of his game on watching videos of Brent Webb. So in this respect, it would be an appropriate signing. stevemascord.com/2011/11/02/how- ... ew-angles/

Put BJB back there and you'll be reet.

Webb is on the decline, not as spectacularly as Wellens, but he isn't too far off.

Webb is not the player of 4 years ago but without him there would be no Billy Slater or Sam Tomkins. This kind of player is not easily replaced.

BJB at full-back is Michael Platt Mk. 2 in the making. Leave him on the wing.

The first part would be impossible to gauge - you would have to take a punt, culturally things are so different in the NRL that his ability to adapt to Leeds would be a gamble - just like any new employee.

Right. So you're telling me that if you meet a player in person and talk to former colleagues you can't possibly know about their personality, work ethic, team spiritedness etc? Granted you couldn't be sure you were getting it right, but isn't that a large part of why you have job interviews?

I will concede that it is impossible for me to gauge, but not so for the people doing the recruiting.

With Sinfield move permanently to 6, is there mileage in McGuire at Fullback. It provides that extra attacker, and allows us to play a similar game. We can then go back to having a proper hooker at 9

Some serious ££££'s have come off the wage bill/salary cap these last 18 months. Ali, Senior,Buderus and now Webb and apart from presumed improved deals in terms of cash to Hardaker and a couple of others, we've only brought in Moore & Griffin.

Even allowing for improved deals to allow the likes of Zak to buy his brand new Audi TT there must be plenty of room to bring some high profile signing(s) in (assuming there are any available out there, given the NRL increased cap and poor £ to $Aus exchange rate)

There's got to be more than enough free to pay Huddersfield a fee for Lunt assuming the Club would like him full time and Lunt would like to stay and Giants are prepared to let him leave?

As good as Webb has been I agree with the club that a 2 year extension would be a risk. We have several options at FB at the £££ could be used elsewhere for longer term options.

On the other hand another year for Kylie seem's a reasonable option as a rotational prop.

Would the departure of Webb mean we have spare capacity on the salary cap.
It's been some time since we have signed a big name player. No disrespect to mr Lunt .

I've said the same thing for a long time, He would make a very good full back especially after he sorted his defence a few seasons ago. Robbie back to seven where he belongs and lunt at nine with Hood on the bench. SIMPLES

The only failing of that plan is that Burrow can't cut it at scrum half any more.

Peacock got a two year deal, and Moore was signed on a three year deal - both in their 30s.

It's not as easy as it used to be bringing in a big name.. the NRL have increased the salary cap add to that a poor Pound against the Aussie Dollar... and there's not too many British big names available.. i'd like us to sign Yeaman or Shenton.. but you never know GH could pull a rabbit out of the hat with a big name NZ or Aus player..

I feel you may be cuting him a bit short (pardon the pun) in the last 2 seasons he's not been given much of a chance. I think he would work better along side the organisation of Sir Kev plus Mags chiming into the line on attack.

You missed the first third of last season then?

Neither Yeaman or Shenton are worth recruiting IMO. At least Hardaker has youth and inexperience as an excuse for not passing to his winger.

TBF the first third of last season was a disaster for most of the team not just Robbie.

And only improved when McGuire was back, and Burrow was moved to impact sub off the bench.

We would have to get Lunt permanently first, i don't think its the done deal some would make it out to be.

We are in a gradual transition,2 years wouldhave been a year too long for Webb.The warm weather will suit him and he will add a few more strings to his bow regarding his gourmet skills.The old guard are gradually leaving bit by bit,lets hope its a successful transition