I'd agree with that. Just aslong as we signed a quality back rower. I think we need JJB around the squad when he is retired anyway. Not many players have the heart + desire he's shown for years.

He has given everything for Leeds

JJB needs to remain involved I agree, but it's not one quality back rower we need it's at least two, possibly three depending on how we use Smith in the next couple of years. Our pack is woeful at the moment, and our lack of ability to get on the front foot is making the halves and backs look worse than they are.

I think we need two back rowers of real quality + two props. One who has a pedigree of playing games, minimum injuries + another of real quality.

I'm hoping we bring in a new centre with real quality, and I'd be happy to move sutcliffe to second row and bring in one top quality back rower and a top class prop and keep one of JJB or Ablett on for one more year to have that experience still around in training and match days as u wouldn't have them in match day 17 every week.

If you bring in top quality forwards - they will have significant match day experience - perhaps a change of culture is really required - that means changing the people who drive that culture.

The culture that worked for a particular group of players with a very specific type of bonding is no longer appropriate with this group of players. JJB has been around during the demise of the culture/standards - so why do you think him being around/his influence will suddenly improve things?

Let's face it his offering on the field doesn't justify his inclusion anymore.

Brett Delaney's latest injury does sound horrific ( sorry don't know how to do the YEP link ) think he really should call it a day for his own good and future health. I very much doubt he would be offered another contract tbh. He has been terrific for us,always giving his all.

Quote ="Jrrhino"I'm hoping we bring in a new centre with real quality, and I'd be happy to move sutcliffe to second row and bring in one top quality back rower and a top class prop and keep one of JJB or Ablett on for one more year to have that experience still around in training and match days as u wouldn't have them in match day 17 every week.'" Sutcliffe 2nd row? Not for me: simply not enough impact, either in the tackle or as ball carrier. The link to Delaney's injury which does indeed sound grim is https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/ ... -1-9303388

Quote ="Jrrhino"I'm hoping we bring in a new centre with real quality, and I'd be happy to move sutcliffe to second row and bring in one top quality back rower and a top class prop and keep one of JJB or Ablett on for one more year to have that experience still around in training and match days as u wouldn't have them in match day 17 every week.'" Sutcliffe 2nd row? Not for me: simply not enough impact, either in the tackle or as ball carrier. The link to Delaney's injury which does indeed sound grim is https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/ ... -1-9303388

From the sounds of the article they'd be mad to let him play again this year - his long term health has to be the first consideration.

Reading the article it suggests than he will be resigned for next year along with Ablett and Jjb

Where does it mention JJB and Ablett?

Ideally none of them would re-sign. Sadly we're in such a mess for numbers they probably all will. I hope at least one of them doesn't come back though, as we'll be in exactly the same position next year, but with players who are another year older. TBH its time some of these guys were honest with themselves about their contribution and whether they are in effect 'stealing a living' (TM tvoc). If they stay it needs to be made clear that they'll only get picked from now on if their form warrants it - if that means not getting into the 17 behind a teenager then they have to deal with it.

It's an interesting and potentially tricky decision?

Ideally/realistically I think one of the 3 (JJB, Delaney & Ablett) should/will be retained. If it wasn't for the sudden need to replace both Moon and Hall when it was really the pack everyone thought was the sole/main need of attention, there would be an argument for us to give thanks and wave goodbye to all 3 but given the numbers that would need replacing on top of Moon and Hall (and potentially Parcel if he goes) then I could see a scenario where 2 might be retained, but surely/hopefully not all 3?

IF the decision was to just retain 1 of the 3, who would people chose?

All 3 have done great things for the club but all now are past their best and injuries are taking their toll and we can't really afford to have them all being regular starters in our back row.

We need more size and power to replace them.

If it wasn't for all the injuries these last couple of years I personally think Delaney would offer us much more on the pitch compared to the other two, but and its a BIG but, as much as a warrior he's been for us, his body is shot to pieces and purely on his lack of repeated game time these last couple of years, I think of the 3, Delaney might be the biggest risk to retain, although if you could guarantee him a couple of years relatively injury free, then the risk might be worth it.

Another factor though that could see Ablett and/or JJB being seen as the 'better' option is the quota status of Delaney? I assume he's on one whether it be overseas or non-fed trained (or even both) in which case given the need to recruit major players to our pack and assuming that will mean shopping in the NRL market then we might need to release Delaney just to free up space on the quota?

I think it would be madness to retain all 3

I think its very hard because individually you could make a case for retaining any of them, but as a group they are a big and growing weakness.

Part of the problem as well is not planning for this early in the year - they should all have been asked to decide re next year months ago (maybe they were and we don't know). You simply shouldn't be leaving player retention and recruitment so late - in the NRL and in SL most deals are sorted out well before the season ends.

I would only retain Ablett out of the three. Would prefer none, but he has been the best one out of them, and at least still offers something when on the park.

We have no choice. Who is going to sign for us right now? There is a much bigger chance of us not been in a Super League next year than people realise. Once that unknown is out of way, then it can be sorted. Just proves the point of the so called “mafia led power grab”, who at least said it from a position if strength.

JJB has said publically he wants to go round again so that will happen - Ablett seems to have intimated that provided Leeds stay in SL he would re-sign so that looks like also a done deal and the club are talking to Delanney

Happy days - I don't agree with Schofield on much but these three are so far over the hill they shouldn't be in the squad of a team with top 4 aspirations

I think everyone can agree on that. But even that could be managed if we had viable replacements lined up and the ancients only played if they earned a spot. If our 'alternatives' include giving Liam Sutcliffe a crack at yet another position or keeping Walters around then we'll be back here next year having the same discussion.

Add to that Ferres - who quite frankly isn't worth a shirt and that along with Ward will fill your back row and two of your subs places.

Happy days - we don't have any youngsters to give them competition for places - the youth development at Leeds is at an all time low.

What's gone wrong with the youth system? Why is so little talent coming through?

Ask McDermott - he was in charge of this demise

Far too simplistic.

You cannot expect the development section each year to produce a full pack worthy of a top SL side. We have Oledski and Smith who should make the grade and there are others perhaps ready in another year.

You cannot just ignore the number of regular long term injuries that have weakened the squad. Ferres has never been fit since we signed him yet came with an international reputation. Galloway's injury caused him to retire yet he was not replaced. Peteru looks a good signing but has been injured for most of the season as has Garbutt. Ward who came through the juniors has missed 10 matches with injury as has Delaney but both put in the effort when on the field.

Cuthbertson has had to be used as a workhorse and so has lost some of his attacking sparkle and together with Singleton, JJB and Ablett have had to do the heavy lifting for the first half of the season when all the big men were out.

Yes we should have been making quality signings to keep the side balanced but knee and facial injuries cannot be put down to age.

If Sinfield had been in charge of the team for all of this season given the same injury crisis then there is no guarantee we would have performed any better

no. but ones a rookie and ones a multi cup winning experienced head coach. he should have done better this year. by better I mean mid table.

The point wasn't about the team's performance - it was about the demise of the junior development.

Injuries are irrelevant in respect of the junior to senior pipeline either you have the players coming through to challenge the senior players or you don't. As head of coaching McDermott was responsible for the structure and the pipeline.

Love JJB and i would like to see him stay around the club in some capacity but its time to let go as a player imo. Delaney too.

I agree. sheer madness to re-sign them