Every time Union poaches a high profile player I think it's a fantastic opportunity for our game to shout from the rooftops to exciting, young union players that if they want big money in Union and a fast track to the England team they should come and play our code.

They'll also get the opportunity to run with the ball.

In principal, I expect the Leeds management to use all the tools at their disposal within the limits and the spirit of the regulations which I fully support the existence of and need for in the game.

The Leeds CEO will be operating a year to two years ahead of the fans and I'm interested to see what solutions he is going to come up with to honour his two key pledges made to the fans: Buderus will only be released if a suitable replacement is secured and Leeds will again be spending their full permitted cap.

Exciting times ahead.

I wouldn't pin your hopes on this. He's secured McShane. You might argue he's not a suitable replacement but the opposite argument is equally legitimate under those terms of reference.

I'm also waiting for these comments to be honoured but only on quality additions to the squad. Surely GH must have something up his sleeve otherwise he would not have made them?

With Griffin added, I really am struggling to see how on earth we'll use all our forwards next season, even with some kind of rotation policy.

Props: Peacock, Leuluai, Bailey, Kirke, Moore, Griffin, Ambler, Singleton (+Amor)
Second Row/Loose Forward: JJB, Delaney, Ablett, Clarkson, Hauraki, Pitts

Without adding an impact forward, you'd still have to think we'd let some of the above go, even if you assume that in one more year we'll lose Leuluai. Otherwise it really smacks of quantity over quality. I'd especially think that Kirke (current 4th choice prop) must see his place in the team under threat - I suspect we haven't signed Moroe and Griffin to play in the reserves.

With so many players involved in the 4 nations squad and the knights it does give Mc the opportunity to give those players a decent rest and maybe the at least the 1st week of the sesaon off to help have them fresh for the WCC.

Agree re kirke, although it makes the decision to re sign him more bizzare with the bringing in of 2 new props

This is true. Looking at the squad as it is Griffin takes Kirke's place in the team, and is an improvement. But you factor in Kirke's 2 year contract, and it doesn't look so clear cut. In reality I reckon that Griffin will replace Leuluai in the starting 13 (or maybe bailey will), and Kirke will still be on the fringes of the squad depending on fitness of Leuluai & others

Perhaps a move for Kirke back into the second row mix, particularly if the plan is for Sinfield to remain at six and Ablett/Clarkson at loose?

I think with Kirke having expressed his dislike for the prop role in the past this is a good shout. Put him back in 2nd row, where he probably won't make the 17 in reality.

Has anything been announced re: a Millenium Weekend to kick season off or anything else?

Moving back to May and in Manchester apparently.

what will Taggart say about his pitch getting dug up?

Nothing.





Its at the city of scumchester stadium

oh I see thanks

That's rubbish!?!
Cardiff is a cracking place to visit for weekend. Manchester, however,......
At Millenium Stadium on a bank holiday weekend would surely be a better arrangement! Such a shame.

Don't think I will be making a weekend of it in Manchester this year. That said the size of stadium is probably about right

Notthing, its in May, the football season will have finished

For me, he won't get into the second row. JJB > Ablett > Delaney > Clarkson > Hauraki > Kirke IMO.

He does a job in the 17 as a 4th prop. That job just doesn't exist in the second row, plus I don't think he has the skills for it

I can only see a position for kirke if we get some injuries. Think he will get some games but don't think he will be as regular as previous seasons... Unless he trains the house down and earns it, which is fair enough!!

Kirkey. Why couldn't he have accompanied Burgess down under? They could have been sold as a BOGOF.

according to kirke's league express comments whoever takes his place only has to play 10mins to give jp a rest and he's been very happy to do that

Tonight's YEP seems to suggest one more to come in...

It does, and also intimates a certain dilemma regarding what position to make a signing. This suggests to me that we haven't got anyone signed as yet, so cannot imagine it will be a big name. Possibly a OOC player.

Personally Ali will need to be replaced, which isn't easy and I cannot think of anyone available. I would only like to see a signing If of sufficient quality. Rather than just bringing someone in for the sake of it, rather wait and promote from within

I've been told that there is at least one quality player coming in but no one yet signed'
It's a difficult one to predict. Upto a month ago everybody was agreed on the need to recruit a quality centre. Then Hardaker was brought in and he seems to have made the position his own by his recent performances.
I think a lot depends on where Sinfield and Burrow play next year. Is one possibility someone who plays half-back and hooker in the Andrew Dunnerman role of a few years ago? Also is there the possibility of Webb and/or Kylie leaving sooner rather than in a years time and also Smith is predicted to go. If these movements happened it would allow some flexibility.
I think also there might be the one-off opportunity to sign a quality player who becomes suddingly available.I don't know Gary H's plans but evidently we were linked last week (with other SL clubs) with Manu Tuilagi. I don't think we could afford him but he looks as though he would make a great league player. Another player mentioned is Adam Cuthbertson from St Georges.
I think something will happen but don't know when. I just hope the signing adds to the quality of the team! Remember Gary said he would spend upto the cap and replace Buderus with a quality player!