I'd pretty well agree with that assessment, although I'd say the majority of the replacements are likely to prove "significantly" better rather than just "slightly".

I'd not put a ceiling on the best we can achieve - since a lot of THAT is out of our hands. For example, if a sizeable number of Hull KR's 347 antipodeans all get homesick then they will be down the dunny, or if one of the clubs with playing rosters that seem to defy the gravity of the salary cap picks up disproportionate injuries to key playersb then they could trip up. Will still be a hell of an achievement to finish much above 6th though, especially in Potter Year 1 - although adding in a world-class half would definitely shorten the odds a bit...

Just looking at the backrow the options for covering Elima, Whitehead and Langley are:

Sibbit
Olbison
Addy
Walker
and Bateman (assuming he gets a squad number)

Looks like the days of having a multitude of second rowers are gone.

Don't forget Donaldson who should hopefully get more gametime this year once over his injury.

Whoops!

Ok so not so bad then.

Not wildly out of line no, but it feels like robbing Peter to pay Paul. Elima, Whitehead, Langley looks big, strong and quality. Donno is coming back from a bad injury and Addy and Olbison are very young and Sibbitt is Sibbitt.

I remember seeing that in 2008 and 2009 Leeds had six props who played over 20 games and I thought it spoke volumes that they were so strong come the end of the season. Conversely, we have started recent seasons we 3/4 props plus make do second rowers.

Wouldn't disagree with any of that but would add that we came 11th in the list of metres gained last year. Lynch, Hargreaves, Scruton, Koppy is OK but not brilliant with Elima, Whitehead, Langley as a back 3 is well above average IMO. Both hookers are good and all in all as a starting pack I'm reasonably pleased with what we have.

Look past this group and they are either young, not very big or not that good. We look a prop short on that basis.

I notice that in today's T&A, in the build up to his testimonial match, Connor Murphy refers to Langley as a prop. Typo? Slip of the pen or Freudian?

Well spotted, Detective Bulliac! Methinks Freud may well have a hand in it...

There we go then. The fifth prop that Maislebugs is looking for.

TBH, given a decent amount of choices in the back row I think that such would be a good idea. Correct me if I am wrong but haven't a few people on here suggested that Royston is an excellent number 13?

Hopefully we have a target half back in Australia for when the Orford situation is done

Yes they have. As much as anything I'm impressed by the fact so many of the squad are clearly not phased by playing in different positions. Clearly, they will have their favourite positions, and positions which they can play better than others, but when the injuries start coming along it can only do us good.

It would be nice to think we have a target half back somewhere............and I imagine Hall's departure clears a fair bit of cap space, as well as the overseas slot, though that has gone to Herbert in the short term.

Rumour has it we will signback Glenn Morrison on a 2 year deal from Wildcats when Orford situation is resolved

Addy would be my choice for 13 before Royston.

Heard a rumour today that Chris sandow from souths is signing when the orford deal is sorted, he's got to decide between us and broncos!

You will know more about this than I do so this is good to know. It may also strengthen the Langley for prop possibility too?

Put away the crack pipe.

I would certainly say that Langley is more suited to Prop than a Loose Forward where for me he lacks the necessary skills in the kicking and passing department.

I think Addy has a bright future if he can continue to kick on in 2011 under Potter. He had a few weaknesses (in defence) that hopefully he has worked on. I must admit that I have mainly seen Royston play FB in the NL and his support play is superb. I don't doubt that he can cover 13 if required though.

I'd settle for that! If I'm thinking of the right player he is a tough little bugger with a nice little shoulder charge (similar to Tommy L at Wigan)?

But what calibre of halfback is available 1 or 2 months before the NRL starts.......?

Yeah that's him, has a bit of a short fuse though if someone winds him up!!! As can be seen from his retaliation at Michael Ennis! He is a kicker as well something we may be lacking.

We lack a bit of mongrel at times, plus the opposition fans would probably grow to hate him. I hope there is some truth in that rumour.

The same Glenn Morrison that's just been made captain at Wakefield? Yeah you could see why they'd make him captain then let him leave a couple of weeks later.

To be fair he is usually pretty on the money with his info.. Ainscough to.. oh hang on..

If we do end up getting some compensation for Orford then there may be some clubs willing to listen. After all money talks.