I agree DHM i'm just surprised that he hasn't had a decent amount of game-time thus far.

I'm struggling to come to terms with starting Burrow at all, let alone as hooker. He was devastating last year coming off the bench but (despite having a decent game at Wigan) doesn't seem to have the same gamebreaking impact when starting.

Having said that the Rhinos have to cope with the loss of Buderus...who's to say that Mac won't try a few options before deciding which way to go. In view of last year we should be aware that it sometimes takes a bit of time for new systems to gel.

FWIW I didn't expect a win at Wigan, whatever the line-up, but then again I never have done. Nor do I think the line-up was to blame. The team simply didn't play well in the first half, and the second-half improvement wasn't quite enough to turn the game.

Those options should really have been considered during the close season and in the friendlies against Wakefield and Featherstone don't you think ?

If the club is STILL trying to find solutions for the 'loss of Buderus' why did it let him leave ?? Not very professional is it ?

But why can't we have Sinfield at loose forward, Mcguire and Burrow at half back and Mcshane at hooker???

Not sure I agree that anything much could have been learnt from those friendlies (especially the blowout against Fev).
I suspect the options have been considered, but there's often a pretty big gap between theory and practice. Two games in and I'm not too worried. If they persevere with failing systems I'll change my mind.

As for letting Buderus leave, once he'd made up his mind, I doubt if there was much the club could do to stand in his way. Newcastle talked about a 'leadership and mentoring role' so it's a good bet there's a coaching offer on the table.
At 34 years old any player would have to be an idiot to turn down the chance of beginning a coaching career alongside Wayne Bennett.