Have said before elsewhere Clarke would be a great signing. If it [iis[/i at the expense of McGuire moving on I would take it. Sadly all great players do decline in their effectiveness (unless you're Peacock.....or even Leualai at the moment.....of course).
McGuire hit his peak in the season which unfortunately ended so tragically with that infamous 'pies' professional foul.

Hope Burrow is staying....BUT, throw in Bailey and Kirke too....job's a good un.

we were rumoured to get JP for years,but he came in the end

interesting that jjb gets a mention. Achurch has taken the opportunity with both hands
I'd like to think jjb will struggle to get back into the team at present And will have to earn it rather than just be given his place back straight away

My thoughts exactly Eagle but im sure we know different.

Achurch or JJB???

At the moment I'd have to say Achurch, which surprises me a little. He's offering much more than JJB does - I'll admit that he doesn't have JJB's work-rate but wins more of the collision, runs better lines and doesn't bump up the penalty count so much.

My concern at the start of the year with Achurch was if he'd be good enough defensively (remember poor efforts vs Melbourne and Hudds in the CC) but I have to say he's been very good since he's got into the side this season in that department.

Was Bailey injured for last night's game?
If not, his absence even from the 17, given Peacock's unavailability, speaks volumes IMO about his long-term future at Leeds.

With luck McD has become fed up of his antics and has taken the decision to ship him out to a club that will accomodate his baggage and continual under performance.

It sticks in the throat that we have given Bailey more than enough chances to make the most of what talent he may have yet have been quick to discard the likes of Amor who is now x3 times the prop Bailey is.

I said several weeks ago I could not make up my mind about Achurch,this because he was not given enough game time.
The more game time he is given he seems to be improving week by week.
As for bailey, I used to be a big fan, but at the moment I don't know what's up with him.
With a bit of luck and application from him he may come good at the business end of the season. I hope for his sake that happens.
If not its best for everbody if he moves on.

Agreed.

Regarding Achurch I also think been given the game time has improved him, but also been used in the back row as appose to sub prop as he was last year.

Along with his all round fitness. He started last night and did the opening 55-60 mins, he wouldn't have managed that last year.

Yet he was complaining last year about not enough game time, and not used to playing short spells, which was effecting him. Year before he was playing much more rugby, excelling, and why he came to Leeds attention.

Think the complaint about lack of game time was more to do with not being able to gather some momentum and form rather than his fitness. Whilst not the same level he had a few run outs for Hunslet too so his fitness should've been better, a year under the Rhinos conditioning staff will have been the key. Also, whilst he's did ok there by reports, at the same time he wasn't exactly tearing it up at Penrith TBF.

My comments about JJB and Bailey relate to their propensity to give silly penalties, which seems to have been drummed out of the current team with the departure of a few other culprits in previous seasons (e.g Webb, Senior).

JJB's work-rate is tremendous but as noted he is known for his fair share of defensive mis-reads in our goal-line. If he could cut this out and improve his discipline he ought to win his place back. But he should not walk back in.

Bailey just seems to have been eclipsed by hungrier players. I like it when he gets under the opposition's skin but cringe when he's caught out 'looking for trouble' when the team don't need it (e.g. the spat with Bateman). I think the top teams have sussed him out as a wind-up merchant (it has been a long time since Radford, Graham and Faasavalu plyed their wares in SL). Outside of that he's usually a solid defender but doesn't offer anything out of the ordinary - for a player with alleged discipline issues I can't see him lasting with the current crop of young forwards coming through.

Leeds Rhinos have received a major boost for next season with the signing of Newcastle Knights prop Adam Cuthbertson, 29, on a four year contract. www.therhinos.co.uk/m/news/23128.php

Leeds Rhinos have received a major boost for next season with the signing of Newcastle Knights prop Adam Cuthbertson, 29, on a four year contract. www.therhinos.co.uk/m/news/23128.php

Cuthbo is a good signing.
Wayne Bennett doesn't seem to like his style and has tried to stop him offloading, but he averages 30 tackles and 136 metres this year in the NRL.
Newcastle fans think he is very under rated.

glad to see we have signed a prop which should cover the loss of kylie for next season.

not seen too much of him play but at 29 hopefully he will still have a few good years to give.I will reserve judgment till next season gets into full swing but im happy to see our problem area is being addressed.

Good signing. And he doesn't count on overseas quota neither which is even better.

Be interesting to see who stays as GH has said the "whole squad" are signed up for 2015 which I hope is wrong because imo 2/3 can and should be moved on.

Returning to the rumours re. Clarke...............The story I have heard is that Warrington have paid money up front for him, on the basis that he would join them for 2015. It now appears that he does not want to move house or travel along the M62. So Warrington (who have no financial difficulties) have reluctantly agreed & have asked for their money back. Problem is that Cas. have already spent the money & so they are having to sell him to another Yorkshire team to raise the money !!!

Looks like the operation GH authorised has been successful.

Now all he needs to is tie up all the loose ends, he can't afford to have someone pull on one and unravel the whole thing.

FW- Eh are you suggesting GH is some kind of evil genius lol?

Kirke and Bailey?

Given Kylie is retiring and with the young forwards coming through I don't expect much change. Although Kirke isn't particularly popular it's clear McDermott likes him and I would estimate his salary is fairly low. I guess the question would be could we get better with his wages?

Kylie hasn't decided yet. He's on a one year rolling contract so if he wants to go around one more year he will and to be fair on his form SO FAR this season, I'd have little complaint if he went round one more time.

IMO time to move Bailey on though for sure

Fair dos I thought he was retiring. I agree on Bailey.