If Watkins is doubtful for Monday and Smith no a viable option why not try giving one of the young lads a chance? That Jamal lad sounds handy enough

He's got a way to go, but time on his side. One thing for the kid, he is like sh[ii[/it off a shiny shovel. My cousin used to coach him when he played football and they just used to boot it up field for him to run on to.



Also, I think he ran (& won) Super League's fastest man for us didn't he?

Indeed he did...isn't he a left winger though ? (Could always move Hall to RW to accomodate him).

...BUT of course I am sure you will agree that even if Smith is hobbling about on one leg he should catergorically get a place somewhere in the side. He's far too good and should be first name on the team sheet

If there is a doubt then I would prefer watkins misses out and make sure he doesn't pick up long term injury. I am sure we have a youngster who can play on the wing and not let us down?

Hall to right wing, Wilson/Chisholm on the left. We're short of wingers, we're at home to the bottom team so if either Wilson or Chisholm are seen as potential first team players (and at least Wilson is) then Monday is as good a time as any to give them a run.

Agree don't think if there is a doubt about watkins knee we should risk them

I remain sceptical about both BJB and Watkins physical capabilities.

It is to be hoped they both make the progression from being just show ponies in attack.

the coaches from the net are here again.....

Every time someone gets injured everyone wants to move other players out of position to compensate. we should stick someone on the right wing and leave Hall where he is!!

I completely agree. Watkins has had a couple of serious injuries already, he needs to gain some strength IMO if he is to take up the fabled left centre postion from Keith.

No hurry. Senior's going nowhere. Very good again last night.

Thank god. Sick of the stick Senior is getting. He looked very good to me last night.

Agree I have been critical of him in the past but thought he had a good game

He was and lets hope he continues to replicate it and improve rather than the "18mths past it" efforts we've witnessed in the 1st 10 games!

An 18 months past it Senior is still better most weeks than the alternatives currently available at Leeds or so it would appear. I think fans need to take that on board rather than just taking the easy option and sticking the boot in while calling for a player's inclusion that has already been cut once by Leeds and is training/playing for a contract.

It's a tough sport. Senior still puts his hand up week in week out as does Hall, Burrow, Buderus, Jones-Buchanan and Sinfield. When genuine alternative options are available I'm sure Leeds will have a look at them but they also need to earn the right.

You speak a lot of sense TVOC....and yes Senior had a much better game....BUT how long can Leeds depend on him without seriously looking at the [i[ulong[/u[/i term alternatives ?

When injuries (or rather a lack of) allow Leeds to pick from a pool of players, perhaps then will be the time to rotate/experiment. Not sure they've been in that position so far this season and perhaps they won't be considering the frailties of the outside backs thus far - noticeably Senior and Hall apart.

So if Hardaker, Smith, BJB, Wakins and Hall were all available would you still select Senior at left centre ?

There's nothing easy about watching a club legend and imo THE BEST 4 i've seen in the Blue'n' Amber continually make awfull mistakes defensively and with the ball and get out-played by opposition centres who he should be destroying.
Also no-one has asked Wilson to take Seniors place just that heir apparent Watkins be given an extended run in his natural position and the position the coaches see his future.
When the times up there's nothing we can do we have to move on ala Barrie Mc and it's interesting you feel this way about a clearly "not at his best" Senior yet were willing to ditch a proven no2 who had performed and still had plenty to give for an unproven winger only Salford were offering the right deal to.

As long as Senior is under contract and fit I'd select him until any of the others present an equal or better option in his position.

Ask me again when enough of them are available for selection, in the meantime be thankful the old man is still around even if at less than his peak performance.




Why should he be destroying opposition centres?



Watkins to this point has always appeared to struggle at centre, in fairly stark contrast to his performances on the wing where he looks comfortable. We'll have to wait and see how he next looks in the centre if and when he can be spared from his current duties. I'd agree with those that say that opportunity should be on the left (if Leeds see that as his suited side) and feel Senior will cope well if asked to switch to the right.



Donald was coming out of contract (on quota) and seemingly heading for the exit door. Leeds had a ready made in house replacement with some SL experience for the =#FF0000following season who has acquitted himself well since given his opportunity elsewhere.

Those seeking to move Senior along appear to be doing so =#FF0000now and have been doing so for the past few weeks without a realistic plan given the current injuries to Jones-Bishop, Smith and Hardaker. They do so while ignoring Senior's quite incredible record of availability for selection, perhaps taking it for granted.

How long will it be before any in house replacement breaks down and the same people will be crying out for Senior's recall?

And just for the record I hope Senior calls it a day at the end of the season and that Leeds find a suitable replacement.

Fair points tvoc but how long do you persevere with an out of form Senior and defensive weak link even though he stays fit?
I hope he can kick on and prove us wrong with an "indian summer" performance wise but if it doesn't happen i don't think we have anything to lose by getting Watkins in there for as long as possible and find out if he should be the LC or stick to being an out and out winger.
On the subject of his replacement breaking down then it's a no brainer to recall him or switch him back to the LC berth from the RC ,bench or back-row.

Absolutely....this is surely the season to determine whether Watkins is going to be the replacement for Senior whilst he is still around to be the cover. Watkins might very well end up being the winger he presently appears more comfortable as, but better to find out for sure this season IMO.

Any word yet on the severity of his injury ?

Not yet but he misses out on Monday!

Hope it's not a re-occurence of his knee injury.

You don't persevere if you have a better option but what do you do when you don't have a better option, you persevere.

Not that I see Senior as out of form either, he's been as effective as any centre on the field these last two weeks.



I don't see this season as a training run for next season at this stage. If Leeds can get back to playing the basics well (and Thursday was a step in the right direction) then there's still plenty to play for and I expect Leeds to be committed to giving it their best shot.