We definitely lack outright strike in the backs especially when Walker not playing. Not saying Walker is electric with pace but he adds a bit of x factor imo and is quick enough. When we were at our best with Mags, Burrow and Hall in their pomp we could score from anywhere, we can’t do that now.

If Eastmond has his pace still that could change but I doubt he’s as quick as he was. Something I’m sure we’ll address over the next season or so

Defences have changed since the days of Offiah or Fordy, they wouldn’t get the space today. Flying pace is now a nice to have rather than an absolute must, as long as you have a number of players who are pretty quick and you promote the ball and back up.

Yeah agree. Also raw pace + the skills and strength to play the modern game is pretty rare. People seem to think you can just go and buy players like this. Reality bit diferent....

Defence and systems have changed in the past 15 years no doubt about that as has the role of wingers however pace will always be a vital part of Rugby League and if you have none you have no chance.

Weve enough in the team to get by, last year showed that.

Be interesting to see how Newman comes back after that injury. Handley is quick enough, weve too mobile 2nd rowers and both hookers are mobile in the middle of the park.

A classy pacy half would really help this team but those boys are expensive.

The game may have changed but in the same way that in the centre of the field there is no substitute for genuine size combined with power out wide raw pace will always make the difference when all else is equal.
Nowadays it usually comes with power as well but in NRL Melbourne have been one of the dominant teams for the last 10 years built around good props Cam Smith and Cooper Cross and probably as a unit the fastest back 3 in the competition. Slater Addo Carr and Vunivalu could destroy you from anywhere on the pitch.

We do have players who can break the line. If we can learn to play better as a team we should be a) creating space and b) supporting the ball carrier. I’d rather see us use skill to score rather than “give it to the fast kid”...

Agree with other posters though, some pace at half would help. East mind will be slower than he was without a doubt - but he is very skilful and supports well.

Tindall I believe is the fastest player at the club, and he’s a chance of replacing Briscoe over the next year or two. Handley and Tindall would be a decent wing pair IMO.

If Walker can’t get and stay fit we will need another FB. One or two in the academy or possibly Broadbent goes there.

Usually players with pace are lightweight, look great going forward but can be a liability in D.

I believe Matty Ashton is out of contract at the end of the year, now he has genuine pace.

Pacey players are all well and good but in the main injuries take their toll pretty quickly. If we're signing wingers on long deals I'd like to see a few more strings than mere speed.

My apologies!

Agree about trading up Briscoe. Of course, as others have said, pace should be one of several attributes we should be looking for.

Thankfully Briscoe has other attributes to his game - we don't need another winger a la Francis Cummins at the back end of his career

Also, Tommy Briscoe is still a handy player. I know nit everyone on here is a fan but he is pretty solid. For me if we keep Hurrell on that RHS the two of them could strike up a nice partnership, with Martin and Eastmond down that edge too.

The problems with Briscoe amongst othes are he lacks pace and is not an acrobatic finisher which is becoming vital in the modern game

Briscoe done alright in his career and still fits a great job. Not sure what people expect....

Briscoe seems to be one of those players who always get criticism. I think he has a good attitude and and is becoming a stalwart

Do you not think it is now important to have Acrobatic finishers on the wing then ?

Not that important no. Briscoe is strong enough to barge through people for trys.
Would you rather have a Kevin Penny, or Greg Eden type than Briscoe?

He isnt the quickest but still has decent pace.He his strong going forward and seems to have improved his concentration in games.I hope to see Tindal more this season if Briscoe's form dips.

Depends, do we expect to create opportunities that require acrobatic finishes? Whilst they look great, they are only worth the same number of points as a try scored anywhere else on the pitch and I'd prefer to have them closer to the posts so there's a better chance we go up in 6's not 4's.

Interesting interview with Mike Ford on the Leeds Live site. Speaks very highly of Eastmond and refers to him as "world class" a couple of times. Thinks he will be a big success at half back. I'm genuinely intrigued by this signing.

I hope Eastmond proves a good signing, and that he fits into the team.

One thing I will say about us at the moment is that we are building a very skilful side.

Very interested to see how we go. If we had just retained Ava I’d be feeling quite confident. If King can make an impression that might be something.

I read that and was quite surprised how glowing he was about Eastmond.Lets hope Ford is correct.

Interestingly Agar hugely glowing about Tetevano last week to the press. Not quite so about King, he wasn’t negative he just sounded as if King had a way to go yet. I think King is a gamble that we need to pay off if we are to challenge at the business end of the table

So, is Eastmond still any good? I genuinely have no clue what to expect having not seen him play for 10 years. Has he lost that pace?

I expect he's a bit slower - anyone would be at that age. He may be better able to read the game now with more experience (albeit at union) so that can make up for a drop in pace. My concern would be his durability. He got a few knocks when he played for Saints and that's continued in union as far as I know.

I've a feeling he'll return as a different type of player, a bit like Iestyn after his union stint.

It's not important if we win anything this year. No crowds and the farce the season will descend into with Covid testing and postponed games means it's very much a trial season for all.
2022 we should be really really strong as we will be seeing some upgrading of players again in the off season (Lui, possibly King, possibly even Martin and Koni too)
We may have plenty of cap and overseas spots. Going to be very interesting.
Would like to see Broadbent, Tindall and Walters get some serious game time this year....

I don't know if any listens to the fully 80 minutes podcast, but Danny McGuire was on the other night. He was saying how much he rates Mclelland and thinks he'll be a superstar...

This Eastmond signing makes it seem like his days are numbered to me, but maybe the club expect him to take over from Gale in a year or two? I suppose there's a lot of question marks over Eastmond too.

Personally, I think Mclelland has skills, but it looks like he's going through the motions a bit at times. If you look at the way Sydney Rooster have dealt with Kyle Flannagan, you might think we've given Mclelland long enough?