Whilst i am well aware he got caught out playing with poor players around him, why oh why do people still hold out for Keinhorst and Sutcliffe. Both have been far worse liabilities defensively in their roles in the position this year. Yet Newman’s atracking stats were actually better.

That tells me there is something to work on, with the right team mates, and in a more confident team. It might well not be the answer, but I don’t think he is as far away as made out.

I'll be suprised if we're not looking at Inu for wing/centre cover who will be a free agent when Widnes are relegated.

I disagree. It's clear he's not ready for first team on a consistent basis due to his defence, but thats to be expected at his age in the most difficult defensive position. He's a fantastic prosect for sure but needs another full year in the championship imo to iron out his defensive reads.

i don't hold out for either, surcliffe is very poor at the moment, Keinhorst is leaving anyway.
yes there is something to work on with newman that's why i said he is a great prospect, but not ready yet. you say he will look better with better players around him. possibly so, but we have not got better players around him at the moment so playing him the rest of this year, when he is not up to it in a poor side will not do him any good.

Remember afew year ago (2016?) Catalan away he played really well against us. Scored afew tries (hatrick?)

Liked the look of him then, doesn't seem to have done much since. Obviously nothing of any note anyway since he's at Widnes

He had huge potential and was the next big thing 9-10 years ago when Hayne was coming through.

Probably just needs the right environment to thrive but he is almost 32

Can kick too...

Junior S'au would be worth a punt too.

Would love Sau. He's a great player at SL level.

Wouldn't be against signing him at all

I wish him all the best, he has been a good player/servant for the club. Hope he gets a good deal in the NRL before he retires.

He's been a great signing, and player for us, and at his vest has been a joy to watch.it's a shame he couldn't have signed off with one last great season, but the good moments far outweigh the bad.

As for a replacement, I think his signing has already been announced.

If thats the plan I hope someone at the club has spoken to Lolohea about being shifted into a position he has never played in first grade to make room for a kid who hasn't played a single game in first grade. Makes all kinds of sense. Not.

The plan should be to start with Lolohea at 1 or 6. Its up to competition then to decide who ends up where. If we want a centre, sign one. If anything the last season or so has shown its that playing players out of position because they 'can do a job' in key roles is a recipe for mediocrity. As is having no competition.

Completely agree - the kid from Cas is completely untried - why do people think he will be a starter next season? I thought we had signed a half back - the fact that him and Myler are virtual identical players in style seems a bit odd but signing quality half backs is difficult when you are Leeds.

I think a few people have suggested he maybe a starter because Phil Caplin who is very well connected at Leeds pretty much said that’s how they will start next year. Not something I agree with but Phil Caplin is rarely wrong when it comes to Leeds and what he deems certain of to publicly say on the radio.

McClelland's SMTMUK promo video here - shows that he's a stand-off/hooker.....?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d34VWdKyVPM&t=565s

McClelland's SMTMUK promo video here - shows that he's a stand-off/hooker.....?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d34VWdKyVPM&t=565s

Phil Caplan is wrong on plenty of stuff - he is about as accurate as Dave Parker. I would seem very unlikely that Leeds would start a half back that has never played a senior game of RL - it simply doesn't make any kind of sense.

I would agree that it doesn’t seem to make much sense.

I am not so sure on that. Has playing an inexperienced Richardson been a problem for Saints. Remember this lad was ahead of Trueman at Cas, the same Trueman who has stepped up for most of this season. That’s two top three sides.

If you are good enough is all that matters. That is more to get the head around. Don’t forget they will have a full preseason to see if that is the case, they are not just putting him in mid season.

So long as he's picked on merit I wouldn't be bothered. It would be more of a worry if the plan was to definitely start this kid at 6 given he's completely unproven at open age.

How will they be able to tell in pre-season they wont have a competitive game?

Trueman has come into a team that is pretty strong especially in the forwards and I assume when Gale is properly fit he drops out. Leeds and strong forwards is an oxymoron.

Even the best halfbacks struggle behind a beaten pack. A kid with no 1st team experience will find it even harder. I think it's up front where the priorities are.

I agree with that. If they are good enough they should get the chance and then select on who has the best form

Wow yet your policy under your hero was to agree with has beens the out of form or blatantly injured to be selected on a continuous basis because MC knew best.

Yes, for quite a few of their fans judging from their redvee board. Though doubtless they didn't perceive the problem til Catalans p***ed in their shandies.

Overall Moon has been a class act for Leeds. Thought he was very good last week. He will be important in the weeks to come given we are missing many of our higher quality players.
I've never seen the new kid, be good see him get chances next year but surely the plan can't be to start him as first choice 6, given he has never played a game at even championship level. Leeds have a talented 18 year old at FB who has been getting knocked about all year, we can't pair that up with an 18 year old rookie stand off. Not fair on them or good enough from the club . As an aside Danny Richardson is 21.
Leeds should be bringing mclelland through but IMO need an established player at 6 next year.

Lolohea will play stand off next year, my worry is that the club think they can get by with Sutcliffe / Handley in the centre.

You need 3-4 half backs as players will always get injured/suspended etc. Havining lolohea myler mcclelland is minimum