I read somewere that he had put a fair bit of weight on, id imagine muscle because the size of union men these days is frightening but will it of effected his RL qualities id say possibley in the short term.

Just changing the subject slightly, but why has Leeds Academy and Reserves performed so poorly over the last few seasons when they have been strong since Dean Bell's arrival at the start of SL?

Quote ="MattyB"Just changing the subject slightly, but why has Leeds Academy and Reserves performed so poorly over the last few seasons when they have been strong since Dean Bell's arrival at the start of SL?'" Ask the question here viewtopic.php?f=17&t=450523 They seem to be taking it quite well

Quote ="MattyB"Just changing the subject slightly, but why has Leeds Academy and Reserves performed so poorly over the last few seasons when they have been strong since Dean Bell's arrival at the start of SL?'" Ask the question here viewtopic.php?f=17&t=450523 They seem to be taking it quite well

I suspect that its because so many of the "good ones" pretty much get fast tracked to the first team

The Academy produced a ridiculous amount of players around 2002-03 which culminated in the 2004 GF win - Mathers, Calderwood, Walker, McGuire, Burrow, Bailey, Diskin, Jones Buchanan - add Sinfield to the mix, and it was a fantastic return. All those players from 2004 who came through the academy, bar Calderwood and Walker, are still first team regulars, 6 years on. I think that part of the problem is that Leeds have spent so much money on the academy and its facilities, and have produced so many players that they can't even keep due to salary cap constraints, that the academy now must have taken on a totally different business model

There will be players at Leeds now that look like they [ucould[/umake it, and that maybe 5 years ago they will have persevered with over a couple of seasons, however now, due to salary cap restrictions, they just take a punt and let them go.

There will always be one or two players coming through, which is all that is required. Our "Old guard" are still maybe only averaging about 26, so thats all that is needed.

Ben Jones Bishop is probably going to be the next starlet, and Tom Bush has looked good in patches, but I doubt there will ever be a set of youngsters come through at any club like that Leeds class of 03-04. The salary cap won't allow it.

I'd swap Phelps for Webb, but not for Smith.

Some of the posting by you pies on this thread is frankly cringe worthy

If you dont like it stay on your own forum.

There is nothing more cringeworthy than you coming on here last week telling us you were going to beat us

Explain?

No more cringeworthy than you lot telling us finishing Top doesn't matter after 3 x years of telling us that finishing as high as possible in the league maximises your chances of winning things.

This year all we get is it's not how you do in the league, it's how you finish!

And the way you Leeds fans are offended because we're not interested in Lee Smith is frankly hilarious.

Why because were happy with the team we have and dont need him.

maybe you think were jealous ?

www.therhinos.co.uk/news/10575.php

www.therhinos.co.uk/news/10575.php

Can you imagine 'missing living in Leeds' ????

well its all done and dusted now no more speculation .

Must have deferred his payments for this season to fit him in. Isn't that against the spirit of the cap?

Do you feel Wigan have the best 13 in Super League then? I know things are going well at the moment and your top by 2 points but is there anyone in another Super League team you would swap?

Yes of course. And maybe Lee Smith could be one of them. But we'll have to see how he goes first.

I wouldn't want to do what Leeds have done, and draft him straight into the first team for the very next match. But then Leeds have selection problems at present, owing to injury, so it isn't a fair comparison.

Wigan are not by any means the finished article. As we speak, Maguire and Lenagan are drawing up a shopping list of potential new names.

not a chance. Wire, Saints & Leeds have the best squads on paper.

I thought tomorrow was April 1st!

Pity its not played on paper, and i'd say Wigan and Huddersfield have just the same strength in there squads as ourselfs Leeds and Saints.

i bet your no good at fishing.

Meh!
the team I think could beat you had sini, kylie and delaney in it, if those guys had played I still feel we could have beat you. as it happend sini failed his fitness test the other 2 go down with a virus, the kids come in and play well. We were unlucky not to go in at half time at least level. The rest is history

Well he's better than you.

We have the best squad this season so far that fits within the cap imo. Of course theres class players from other teams that we would have if it was possible but the cap restricts you from the dream team scenario.

take your time, when you get a bite. Don't snatch at it.

At last, someone from Warrington talking sense!



Was talking to a Saints Chum of mine pre season and we both agreed that given the same injuries to our squads both Wigan & Warrington would/could possibly do better than Saints.
Obviously Leeds are being really tested at the moment but despite what they're saying (i.e we have 8/9 out and were bringing British talent through etc they're missing something, They're losing.) I would agree with them that with 5/6 of those back they will still be the team to beat & with Smith back on board that will only help their cause.
Big question is have they left themselves with too much to do?
With 5 losses out of their 1st 8 I suspect they can only afford maybe 5 more out of their last 19 to make top 4?