Maybe there's more to it than we know... I've been wondering if given the form of some of the players that have been left out recently (Burgess, Clarkson) if there's been some discipline problems, and while Cross hasn't been amazing for us I was really surprised we wasn't in the 19 for last Sundays match given that our 2 main props were playing on Friday in the international.

Something else I noticed at the game on Sunday but didn't think too much of it at the time was that Burgess was named in the 19 man squad and Clarkson wasn't, yet Clarkson was warming up with the squad so I assume he was 18th man? Was that just a change once McDermott knew all the players had come through the Exiles game, or is there a bit more to it?

This suggests to me that they may be looking at recruiting elsewhere. Centre springs to mind.
The players are probably going at the end of the season and it may be worthwhile loaning/ bringing in a centre

Yup. That is what disappoints me. That our coach thinks that Kirke is a better option at prop than Burgess.

BTW, I will disagree with your comment about what is the primary reason we lose to the big sides. I think the primary reason is busy blowing up a rubber glove somewhere.

Couldn't disagree more



The coaching staff have treated these two poorly - Both should have been rotated given the poor form of the squad to date. But GH has always been a man that looks after the players and treats them well. He doesn't hold back players that don't want to be at the club. Greg Eastwood. Without a doubt Cross and Burgess would have asked for the releases as reported and Leeds would never have said no to them. If a player doesn't want to be at the club he needs to be out of the door asap. Cross is useless to Leeds. Burgess still has a place as he is great cover for injuries. That is why Leeds are only loaning him out. If Leeds had someone in place then Burgess would have been released not loaned.

Disagree, burgess loaned out frees up cap space. He could be brought back if needed. Him and Cross out ensures space is there to bring someone in in an area where more cover is needed. Given the long-term injuries and Seniors age I reckon a centre is probably in the offing. Either that or the Carnegie relegation means a tighteningg of belts if they want to keep together the guts of a squad that can get promotion.

In maintaining the general direction the club is currently heading, retaining the likes of Bailey and Kirke is of critical importance. I look forward to improved contract extensions for both.

Head in sand.

We were in as strong position we could have been to keep Burgess. We should have been speaking to him about a new deal at end of last season. He said himself at start of season that he was aiming for a new deal, so whether predicted for 18 months or not is irrelevant. He has been treated shockingly since then. The club don't even know he is off to Aus, so how has he told them? GH statement says "he has implied he maybe going to the NRL".

I agree on Cross. But I can't accept the poor treatment he has received. How does that make potential new recruits feel.

Are you insinuating there may be a slight bit of spin in the article? Surely not?

I think it's a genuine statement. Biffa doesn't stand a chance trying to compete with Kirke's average 4 carries.

The Tykes thing is a slight worry. I think there was a thread a couple of months ago detailing that over the last ten years millions of pounds of loans were given to the Tykes, then written off, directly by Caddick. But, if I remember right, in the last set of accounts the 7-figure loan came from the Rhinos. It'll still show as an asset in the Rhinos accounts....unless it's written off. Surely this can't be what's happening...?