I don't think Leeds will roll over that easily. Blease and Arthur don't come across as though they are easily bullied.
Ultimately if the player wants to go and the buying club is willing to pay the appropriate fee probably not much that we can do. My understanding without knowing the figures is that there is a contract release price to the NRL that is available in a window at the end of each season that decreases in price with each season completed. This has now closed for last year. That doesn't mean he won't go but if he does they will have to pay Leeds a fee that recoups their investment on Croft minus the one season he has played. I don't think we will cave in on that! If they put the money up then agree hes gone!

The latest bit I saw has Shane Flanagan reflecting that they might have to wait till 2026 for the right man. If that man is Brodie Croft it's a decent compromise, and would give Blease the time to source a proper replacement.

This is the trouble with your key players being from down under... it's always a risk. Only Wigan seem to be able to hold onto them of late.. having said that, i fully believe we'll hold firm and he would be released on our terms which would include a good fee. but I think he'll be here next season..

We paid 200k for him 12 months ago. They won't let him go cheaply.

Leeds paid Salford just under £300k for Croft and Ackers last year, they will not just write most of that investment off after just one season, that's not how it works.

If Croft does go, wasn’t there some interest in going for Volkman from Warriors. Currenty out of contract after injury, failed a medical at the Dragons earlier this year, but may well be recovered now??

He won't be a Rhino next season anyway the usual narrative on here is (If he doesn't want to play for the Rhinos he can do one) followed by( he was crap anyway ) see Walters Leeming etc al.

Quote ="RAPIDO"He won't be a Rhino next season anyway the usual narrative on here is (If he doesn't want to play for the Rhinos he can do one) followed by( he was crap anyway ) see Walters Leeming etc al. '" Sorry but I'm not going to take your word for it If he doesn't want to play for us then he can go, but In this instance I'd actually want the club to dig their heels in for a fee. The same reports say Bevan French is a target for St George do you think he will go aswell? https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... 25-4851240

Quote ="RAPIDO"He won't be a Rhino next season anyway the usual narrative on here is (If he doesn't want to play for the Rhinos he can do one) followed by( he was crap anyway ) see Walters Leeming etc al. '" Sorry but I'm not going to take your word for it If he doesn't want to play for us then he can go, but In this instance I'd actually want the club to dig their heels in for a fee. The same reports say Bevan French is a target for St George do you think he will go aswell? https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... 25-4851240

It's crazy what people will believe, a player with an NRL clause in his contract being linked with an NRL club. It is a pretty easy story to make up for a few clicks.

Had we not got Blease on board we could have let him go without a wimper but i really don't think that will happen. Blease is very astute, it'll be on his terms.

Some people really do talk rubbish. Whatever you think of him, one of Hetherington's most well-known characteristics is driving a hard bargain, it's saved and generated hundreds of thousands for Leeds over the years.

I think the fact that Blease commented on the story so quickly shows there is something in it. Whether that means Croft will go or not, I have no idea. He's not really the same type of player as Ben Hunt, so the link does surprise me a bit. I'm also surprised Jackson Hastings isn't on St G's list given he's out of favour at Newcastle.

There's no way an NRL club will pay £150-200k for Croft. Leeds can play hardball all they want, but it will just delay recruiting a replacement.

How much did we get for Segeyaro, Nene, Eastwood? A new partnership with an NRL club.

Blease is big mates with Hastings , so I guess if Croft goes it could well be Jacko in, I hope Croft stays

More like making the best of a bad job, I suspect.

I would not be surprised if Croft stays for 25 with Hastings replacing him in 26. I also think Blease might have one eye on the fortunes of Will Pryce.

And how much had we just paid in transfer fees for those?

Irrelevant.

Some people really don't know how Rugby League economics work. St George are desperate, they will pay if they want Croft.

If Croft wants to leave we'll eventually have to just suck it up, but as a business it would be insane to not force as much compensation as possible.

The argument that we should let a player go because he won't want to play for us again is valid, but so is acting in the best interests of the club financially. I'd also argue the Arthur factor would outweigh any negativity associated with Leeds simply enforcing their rights to not deregister a player just because it suits them.

By the way, I'm not sure Croft would necessarily want to join the Dragons. St George need a replacement for Hunt. Croft is not the lead playmaker they need - someone like Hastings would make more sense. The whole reason Croft left the NRL is because the last time an NRL team tried to make him the centre of the team he collapsed under the pressure. Even at Leeds we've seen that he isn't comfortable as the main organiser.

They need an organiser, fine. Frawley plus a modest transfer fee and everyone is happy.

Or they could throw silly money at Harry Smith, if they need a kicking game.

Yes i totally agree on that but i think he's lost his way of late and he's not as good as he was. I rate Hetherington very highly and i always have fwiw.

Quote ="christopher"Sorry but I'm not going to take your word for it If he doesn't want to play for us then he can go, but In this instance I'd actually want the club to dig their heels in for a fee. The same reports say Bevan French is a target for St George do you think he will go aswell? https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... 25-4851240'" No French has made it quite clear he is committed to Wigan and he's loving it there.

Quote ="christopher"Sorry but I'm not going to take your word for it If he doesn't want to play for us then he can go, but In this instance I'd actually want the club to dig their heels in for a fee. The same reports say Bevan French is a target for St George do you think he will go aswell? https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... 25-4851240'" No French has made it quite clear he is committed to Wigan and he's loving it there.

Okay Gary keep your hair on!!

Nothing in the links according to Blease