I don't think the Cas game is the best illustration of the problems at Leeds, since the big issue on Friday was the amount of ball we turned over, something that can easily be fixed. Defensively Leeds stood up despite the amount of possession against us and the much-vaunted Cas attack. There is perhaps an issue about the big-game temperament of the team that wouldn't have been there with Sinfield and Peacock around - and this still needs to be addressed.

But I'm more worried about the games we've lost to lesser opposition, with the greatest respect to Widnes and the other teams knocking around the bottom of the table. I would like to hope that, now that the nightmare of 2016 looks to have been put behind us, McDermott can be allowed to walk away with his dignity and reputation in tact, possibly even to another SL club. Ideally a new coach could be announced in time for the incoming coach to be able to assess the qualities of the current squad and make a small number of critical replacements.

I maintain that a mass clear-out would be foolish in one go, unless we want to risk the middle 8s next season. Gotcha makes a good point about how many of our less capable first-teamers would make the Cas squad. At the same time I wonder how many players from Cas we would have taken 2-3 seasons ago? Powell has literally turned some average players into Dream Team contenders, just like Murray did for us all those years ago (incidentally a team that Powell and Sheridan were part of). I'd love to see a breath of fresh air in the coaching department at Leeds - but won't be holding my breath either... I wonder what it would take for GH to act? Finishing outside the top 4 and no Wembley appearance? Wait until the ground redevelopments are finished?

I think when it gets to the point that Ash Handley is starting and in the centres, you need to re-evaluate your playing staff roster.

Moon is the emergency relief half for two 35 something injury prone halves with no backups - and everyone else fills in.


McGuire owes the fans a public apology for his behaviour which caused him to be binned on Friday. Hardly a captain's example.

We have gone from the best and most influential captain in our history, to the worst and least effective captain we have ever appointed. What makes it more ridiculous was that even when this appointment was just rumours certain posters on here called it exactly as this, without any need for hindsight. It was so absolutely obvious he was not captain material, that in its self tells you all you need to know about the complacent thinking within our club.

Who would you have given it to at the time?

Stevie Ward for me, without question.

I fully accept there was a shortage, and hence the recruitment should have answered that question. But Ward should have been the club appointment, and Ablett should have been the stand in team appointment whilst Ward was out. Mcguire was never the answer, same as Burrow too, and that was not with hindsight.

I agree.

I think the fact McGuire got the job when Sinfield didn't play and that happened a fair bit first half of 2015 when we played well, had a lot to do with it. That and there being no real stand out at the time and the possibility you have McGuire throwing his toys were he to be passed over so i can see why he had the role for 2016.

I don't think it has worked out though, and he should have been stripped of the captaincy after the poopfest of last year and handed to Ward with JJB as vice for me anyway.

He should be now for sure.

How about giving it to myler

Doesn't strike me as a captain and also I think giving it to a player new to the club isn't the best idea unless they were well proven captains such as Sinfield or O'Loughlin.

Cant see the powers that be stripping Danny of the captaincy during the season tbh.

Moving forward I would have Stevie as the Captain no doubt.

For me the most important signings this season for next needs to be on the coaching side as I agree, we truly have gone stale.

Agreed.

think McGuire will be retiring now Myler has signed so just let him see out the year, hopefully we can end it with him lifting a piece of silverware.

cuthbo for captain not stevie wards time yet. also myler may be a candidate, or parcell.

I think Ward needs something to move him on to the next level. I don't think Sinfield would have been half the player he was without the authority & direction of captaincy.

100% agreed.

Sinfield became captain at 22 and became the greatest captain this club will ever see. Its no secret Stevie Ward was/is affectionately referred to as "Mini Kev" whilst Sinfield was still at the club. He'll be 24 by the time the 2018 season kicks off. Its definitely his time.

A captain should be one who epitomises the clubs values, who lives and breathes the club and who’s future is still yet to be made.

Mags is Leeds through and through but his era was also Sinfields. Cuthbo and Parcell don’t need the hassle.

Ward is the perfect fit.

Spot on.

I think Ward's time is right for 2018. You couldn't really give him it in 2016 with his injury and even this year is sort of a comeback year.

Stevie Ward should be our next captain IMO

I would love to see Stevie follow in Sinny's footsteps and lead the club into the next generation,Sinny took over the captaincy at a young age and lead us to a golden period for the club.

I think Stevie could do the same, it will also give him something to think about when the Aussie clubs eventually come calling

I have been told that the NRL clubs are still monitoring Stevie's recovery from injury and it is only a matter of time before an offer comes

Even if he'd have been fit in 2016 I think it would have too much of an ask for Ward. This way he avoids the pressure of following Sir Kev and misses out on the turmoil following the three big retirements.

Wardy deffo.