Donaldson is an excellent squad player who gives 100% and has a great attitude, he is exactly the type of player every squad needs IMO

If i played for Leeds i would give it everything i had and id have a great attitude. Doesnt mean i should play though. Great tackler makes 5 metres a game.

Yep fully agree, offers nothing that a young prospect wouldn't imo.

Donaldson is a player every good squad needs....

With fans like you lot who needs enemies Donaldson works hard tackles like a machine and doesn't let the squad down which the same can't be said for some of his higher paid team mates who throw out abit of magic once in a blue moon and some think the sun shines out of their hoohaa

JJB made a career out of that, and is considered a legend.

Harsh but true.

What a load of guff Jjb was twice the backrower Donaldson will ever be.

I think you might need to reread what i said.

JJB offered far more in all facets of the game, i don't see what you are trying to say unless it is that all he was was a tackling machine?

Why? Would Saints have him? Would Wigan, Wire or Hull? Those are good squads and i doubt he would get within spitting distance of any.

Right Attitude, Tackling machine, and very limited metres per game, exactly what was pointed out on Donaldson as a an issue.

Donaldson has been a good signing imo. He has a great tackling technique, as good as anyone in the squad, and never shirks the hardwork. He gets criticized for his lack of go forward and im not sure, the stats may well back that up.
What i've not seen is a stat that shows line speed in defence, or taking a carry when the team is under pressure and looking for someone to put their hand up for a carry. Donaldson showed both of those attributes last season, especially in defence when we were struggling.

Just like Joe Greenwood then, so should fit in well.

JJB in his younger days offered much more in attack than Donaldson ever will. JJB was actually quite mobile, admittedly that was a long time ago and he went on far too long. I admit also JJB's salary will have been far more than what Donsldson earns.

For Donaldson to play he has to start for me, he offers nothing off the bench to change a game should it be needed, problem is he isnt good enough to start if others are fit.

He offers nothing in attack but is a great tackler, his technique is phenomenal.

Not Donaldson biggest fan but you can't fault his attitude just a shame he isnt 4 inch taller and 3 stone heavier as he would be probably be the best second rower in the country.

People need to realise Donaldson is not in our first choice 17, hence his squad number 25, but has played quite a lot of games due to injuries. Comparing him to JJB, a first choice player for many years, isn’t fair.

Donaldson should be compared to past back up players, the likes of Josh Walters, Alex Foster, Andy Yates, Simon Worrall, Danny Allen, Dave Wrench, Liam Botham and Jason Netherton.

Another thing maybe being overlooked is that we have a particularly young squad, and Donaldson was signed as much for his professional behaviour / role modelling as his contribution on the field. He really looks after himself because he has to to compete at this level.

We are trying to bring on the next generation, getting good habits into them now is well worth the investment.

People forge that we won numerous grand finals with kirke in the team, and he filled a similar role.

As a bench player his job was to come on and keep it tight whilst the main forwards take a breather.

Oh please not the Ian Kirke thing again. This team doesnt have a pack like the one Kirke played with. We could carry a player or two with that team. Kirke would come on with the team 12 points up. Kirke didnt need to change a game off the bench. Donaldson comes on and we are 12 down. What impact will he have?

Spot on.

Donaldson has a role in our squad and he serves that purpose well.

This "people forget" trend is ridiculous if anything is being forgotten its the fact Donaldson is a 1st team squad member & a regular selection we wont be paying him in washers or freddos either.
Yes he has the Heart of a lion & grafts every minute of every game but we should be signing better quality & filling "squad spots" with the younger lads.

Not for me.

Yes, if we have good kids they should get a shot but you just don't fill out your squad with kids for the sake of it.

If young 2nd rowers are better than Donaldson they will get in the team ahead of him. If they are not as good they need to be playing elsewhere in the reserves or on dual reg.

Why do you expect a young 2nd rower whos never played Super League to be better than an experienced Super League player?

Without getting any experience they cannot possibly fulfil their potential.