Isn't Hardaker ultimately supposed to be a stand-off?

Perhaps. I've only seen him play on the wing thus far in both SL and the Championship and with McGuire and Sinfield both contracted until 2013 (and beyond?) I don't see an opening at '6' anytime soon and certainly not in 2012 where this discussion is at.

No but hall playing one in might be the start of something special. I can see hall doing a wiki long term! Yes G make him a prop!

Yep that's what I have heard?

You're questioning if that is what you've heard?

The point stands that so far as the 2012 season goes he'll have to bide his time if he's got designs on wearing that particular shirt.

When was it established that Ryan Hall was international class?

Was it against France?

Sorry, what i ment is I heard he is a 6. Not sure if thats the clubs long term plan but i thought he was signed as that, obviously it will be a long term development but seeing him move through the backs will be interesting? He might even be a centre! Your point totally stands but who knows! If his development is rapid and injuries/form play a part?

From the YEP:

[size=150Leeds snap up Rovers star[/size
15th October 2010

Leeds Rhinos have swooped to sign Featherstone Rovers young star Zak Hardaker, 19, on a five-year contract. The Pontefract-born ace, =#0000BFwho can play on the wing, full-back or at stand-off, rose to prominence this season in Daryl Powell’s Featherstone side as they finished top of the Co-Operative Championship and scored two tries in the Grand Final defeat to Halifax. The Rhinos have agreed an undisclosed fee with Featherstone Rovers which will include the youngster returning to Rovers next season on loan however he will be part of the Rhinos senior first-team squad for pre-season training.... Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “Zak is one of the best and most exciting young talents in our game and has the potential to play at the highest level. This signing is one for the future and has been funded from the fee received from Canterbury Bulldogs for Greg Eastwood.”

[size=150Dream day for new signing Hardaker[/size
16th October 2010

Teenage sensation Zak Hardaker has fulfilled a long-standing promise to his parents – by joining Leeds Rhinos.... The former Featherstone Lions youngster described his move as a dream come true. He said: “I have supported Leeds since I was a child. I have always said to my mum and dad I would play for Leeds one day. It has come at a good time. Daryl Powell helped me a lot. Staying at Featherstone next year is going to help me develop and training through the day with Leeds should progress my skills even further. I want to have as good or an even better season at Featherstone next year and then establish myself in the Leeds first team.” =#0000BFHardaker’s favoured position is full-back, but he can also operate at wing, centre of half-back.... Leeds boss Brian McClennan described him as “a really promising talent” and he said: “Barrie McDermott first tipped me up to have a look at him. That was early in the season and he has just got better and better.”

Unfortunately no quotes on his preferred playing position from Hardaker, the CEO or the coach at the time of the signing.

Maybe as we have fullbacks and wingers coming out of our Ar$e it was a presumtion on mine and others behalf?

Longer-term it'd be handy to have a stand-off succession plan in mind just not applicable for 2012. If McGuire isn't available (174 starts at 6) then Sinfield appears quite adept at filling in (110 starts at 6.)

Hardaker will have to bide his time, which takes us back to forming a back division from Smith, Hall, Watkins, Jones-Bishop, Hardaker (if Senior, Webb leave and not forgetting, as I did, that Delaney is still contracted next season and whose experience will perhaps still be needed out wide.)

So back on topic is he leaving then? I'll be sad to see him go, but think we'll go ok without him. McShane has come on well with his extra game time this season. Extra money can (should) be spent on a cracking centre

I don't remember seeing Hardaker playing much (if any) in the halves at Fev - mind you he was behind the prodigious talents of Kyle Briggs, Liam Finn and Andy Kain so it's easy to see why he played most of the season on the wing.

Is he trying to do a Karl Pratt but in reverse? Wasn't Pratt signed as a half but ended up establishing himself on the wing instead?

I think Hardaker may have played in the halves at amateur level. In the same way Francis Cummins was a stand off when we signed him I'd imagine Hardaker's Leeds career will probably mirror Cummins, in that he will play virtually all his games in the threequarters.

When he was selected to play international rugby.

I've seen briggs play for Bradford. If he is behind him lets keep him on the wing!!!

Being selected to play international rugby league and then performing like a dud against credible international opposition does not equate to being an international class player.

Memory is not what it was but didn't he play SO at Bradford a few times?

I have a feeling Pratt played at halfback in either a WCC or GF?

The former. 2004. He and Pryce were looking to form a half decent partnership early season, before Caisley pulled of the master stroke of signing Harris.

At Leeds Pratt made 66 starts:

43 - Wing
8 - Stand Off
11 - Scrum Half
4 - Hooker



Pratt played at stand off alongside Deacon in the 2003 GF for Bradford V Wigan. 2004 he started on the bench. Those were his two Grand Final appearances.

All well and good - name a top quality centre that has come to SL since Lyon? These players are in very short supply - there are 6-10 in the game, they all play in the NRL - a player of suitable quality will not come here whilst they are still able to compete in the NRL.

Watkins is the future and the efforts should be spent developing him physically to stand up to the rigours of the game and playing to get his standards up to the correct level.

There are only 3 you centres in SL who may be suitable Arundel, Evans and Whelham IMO - sadly Clubb looks have gone backwards - possible coaching/environment issue.

Clubb is a second rower wearing 3. He could be a monster in the right pack, but won't get to show it at Quins as they don't have enough of the right quality around him.

Since Lyon? Matt Gidley was best centre in SL for his first couple of years here. I'd be happy if we could get someone approaching his standard.

Hmmm.....Leeds will probably sign him then