So on the Finn discussion, I do feel we need another old head to get us to the end of the season so I'd happily get Matty Smith in to take us around the field. Better kicking game than Finn too but will just get the team ticking in my opinion.

But if not him, I wondered what ever happened to Jordan Lilley. He was quality when he played at Leeds and I thought he'd be the next big thing.
He's been out at Bradford for a while and recently loaned to Leigh but I haven't seen him on a team sheet for either.
Assuming he hasn't suddenly become a terrible player I'd look at him too.

Longer term we need at least one other half back to rotate with Miller and Hampshire. I'd like Tom Holmes but as he's turned us down we should still be looking.
Cas are already preparing players for taking over from Gale. We are about 3 years behind on plans for Finn.

Wasn't there talk of a HB in the Academy who was pulling up trees - I want to say Ackroyd?

Other clubs seem to able to bring these lads in and develop them into 1st team players - any number at Wigan, the young FB at Leeds, Richardson at Saints - even Shudds are doing it; young Matty English looks like the finished article already.

I realise that for the most part, they look better in a winning side, but we do seem to be struggling again to introduce young players and develop them - Johnstone is faltering, Jowitt is nowhere to be seen and Batch is farmed out to Dewsbury.

If Matty Smith is the answer, I don't understand the question.

Jordan Lilley seems to have set himself up as a personal trainer over at Stanningley, maybe he's had enough? Was impressed with him at Leeds at the end of 2015 but he's not been given a fair crack and as you say loaned out repeatedly.

I'm not in the know like some are where the young kids are concerned but I will say that you are not comparing like with like when you compare our youngsters with say Wigan Leeds or Sts and blaming the coach for us not developing them at the same rate.
Clearly the structure at cash rich clubs makes a difference but most of all it is the fact that they search for the best talent and bring them to their club before they are 16.
No disrespect to our current players as I know we have done similar and we have some talent, but Richardson as an example has not become a great player just by being thrown in the deep end at Sts to "give him a game". He had talent, both skill and physical, to start with and Sts new that when they signed him.

Surely Leeds will be looking to bring Jordan Lilley back into the mix of things with their injury crisis?

I in no way suggested that anyone should just be 'given a game' - and I would argue that Jowitt, Johnstone and Batchelor had all the qualities you've described when they were signed. There is however an aspect of being effective in SL that can only be learnt by playing in SL; some clubs have the will and the bottle to create those opportunities - but we don't seem to be one of them.

HB priority
Declan Patton
Matty Smith

Then god knows?? Jordan lilley may have something left in tank if willing to commit, but Leeds are in their yearly injury crisis when they drop out of top 4 for any longer than 4 weeks !!! So as already mentioned, a recall on the cards for him?

As I thought... Jordan Lilley has been named in this weeks Leeds team. https://www.therhinos.co.uk/2018/05/24/ ... er-rhinos/

As I thought... Jordan Lilley has been named in this weeks Leeds team. https://www.therhinos.co.uk/2018/05/24/ ... er-rhinos/

Those with the will and the bottle, tend to be those that can afford the odd loss, Wigan, Saints, Warrington and Leeds and they have little to fear at the "wrong" end of the table.
However, for those clubs in the bottom half of the table, an unexpected loss, particularly if playing a few "squad" players, could mean the difference between SL survival and the risk of relegation.
Aside from the fact that the "bigger" clubs already hoover up the majority of junior talent, their ability to play younger players, without fear, perpetuates their advantage at the top end of the comp.

The one major plus with the old "franchise" model, was that every club seemed more relaxed in playing the "youngsters" and for a while, there seemed to be loads of new faces breaking into SL. Sadly, with the treat of relegation, we have seen clubs revert to experience over youth, never more so than after the "split".

Quote ="Trinity18"As I thought... Jordan Lilley has been named in this weeks Leeds team. https://www.therhinos.co.uk/2018/05/24/ ... er-rhinos/'" Big whoop.

Quote ="Trinity18"As I thought... Jordan Lilley has been named in this weeks Leeds team. https://www.therhinos.co.uk/2018/05/24/ ... er-rhinos/'" Big whoop.

Conversation on the thread about his whereabouts, I commented saying he'll probably return to the team and he did, I was only confirming that.

Jordan Lilley isn't any good. That's why he gets nowhere near at Leeds and is playing rugby in the championship. Another overhyped youngster from the sky tv brigade. I wish we'd stop over-hyping young players and just let them develop without the pressure. When Jowitt came through there were some ridiculous comparisons. He's young and he's still finding his feet. He'll become a good player but he isn't the finished article yet - that said he has the perfect opportunity to develop now Grix is injured.

So we've now got what most on here wanted, and I'll just remind you that it's young Hamsh at SH, in the meantime we have some, your good self included who are throwing names about regarding the position, apart from the fact that we don't have any spare money to pay these extra wages, don't you think it would be better to wait and see what Hampshire does first.

I'm happy with Hampshire at SH but as already been said, him and Miller are too alike when they're on the field together.
It's up to CC to tell probably Hampshire to control himself a bit more and take responsibility for organising, then when the opportunity arises to use his pace then use it. How many times has the gap opened up in front of Finn but he hasn't got the legs to go through it, this is all we're missing.

Tired of people talking about another halfback when we've got one at the club already who hasn't had a chance yet!

Im happy to see Hampshire looks to be getting his chance tonight (not sure if this is on ability, or luck that Finn may be injured?) and hopefully he can take it.

However, if he doesnt prove himself to be the halfback we all want him to be (and need), then I would look to get Matty Smith over Patton. Not sure if you listed in preference order or not, but I feel his overall game and experience puts him in front of Patton. He could make the difference to where we finish next season.

I wonder if Finn is finally going to get the hand operation he obviously needs?

Personally would prefer him not to have it for the rest of the season so he is available (as 3rd choice). Then for next year we release him/sign him as a coach and look to bring Ackroyd through or more likely sign another HB.

No confidence in Hampshire then?

Yeah confidence in Hampshire, think he will go well with a run of games at HB. I mean for next year, if Finny isn't offered a deal and Ackroyd isn't ready yet we could do with another half for cover/competition.

I agree. The idea of signing Hampshire was to have cover at half back with Finn and Miller once Williams left. (Oh to have him now!!)
If Finn retires and Hampshire steps up, we still need to sign someone as cover

Miller seems to be doing the organising, and doing a good job.

Miller is also 4th on the assists charts currently, to show how much he involved within a game, and his influence/ importance.

1- Richie Myler - 22
2- Ben Barba - 19
3- George Williams - 16
4- Jacob Miller - 15
5- Stefan Ratchford- 12
6- Thomas Leuluai - 9
7- Danny Richardson - 9

Can't remember if I mentioned this a bit back.

Maybe we signed Finny at the wrong time.

Looking back to 2010, maybe he could have been Danny Broughs replacement, instead of taking Paul Cooke.

He would have been younger, and maybe a little bit quicker. Let's face it we scoured the championship for a half back in 2011, when we signed Gareth Moore

You're probably right EW, I think this would have been just as he signed for Fev so obviously weren't going to let him leave straight away and had a very successful spell there so paid of for him.