Nothing to share. I just don't think GH would get this far down the track without having a replacement set to go.

It's no coincidence that this season he's been getting more game time (at Burrow's expense) and our pack has improved beyond belief.
He's provided a platform for the pack, provided them with quality ball by providing a threat from DH, sucking players in then passing to the runners. He's also added a bit of creativity when attacking.

No player is irreplaceable but I'd only say Roby, of all the hookers in SL, can provide an equal or superior platform.

How long would we have stood by Aiton had he suffered serious injury or loss of form? Loyalty isn't a one way street and a club will dump a struggling player, the fans wont just expect it but demand it.

Player are disposable to clubs and fans, I have no issue with a guy getting paid when he can. Good luck to the lad.

As others have said you cannot blame the lad for taking a (substantial?) pay rise if there are no other incentives for him to stay satisfied with a lower salary.

It might have been different if he hadn't already tasted the success of a wembley cup final victory (with the strong possibility of 2 more cup final victories to come). So many greats of the game have got nowhere near this in their whole careers.

I agree.I would like to keep him, i think he has been very good on the back of a strong pack all round, but i think it just goes to emphasise how we need a capable 9 after having Burrow play that role for the majority of Mac's reign and hopefully now we go for another 'out and out' hooker because Aiton is far from irreplaceable, and there are a few solid 9's who could be made to look as good in our side right now.

Good luck to Aiton all the same.You certainly can't blame him for getting the best deal he can being over 30 i would have done the same in his shoes, he owes us nothing.Hopefully we will part ways with a few winners medals.

Agreed, i don't blame Aiton for taking the best deal. He does some good things but does some really daft stuff too! I don't think he is a massive loss, he has to be replaced externally not from within.

I would be amazed if GH hadn't seen this coming and planned accordingly. i'm confident he'll have someone lined up

Its a huge loss and I really do not think we will get a player the calibre of Aiton for some time. A very important piece of the jigsaw from this seasons success isn't just Aiton but its his link up play with possible MOS Cuthbertson. During interviews on several occasions Cuthbertson has referred his to understanding and feeding off 'Paulie' as part of his personal success this season...Cuthbertson is the future of our pack - at least for the next couple of years anyway and its vital the new 9 has the same understanding as Cuthbo and Paulie...

ERR JJB?

The club continues to stand by JJB despite the bad run of injuries.

I think this shows that if a player gives his all then the Rhinos will support him

However,

I am impressed that Paul has stated the reason for leaving and respect him for that

A big miss but recent signings give me hope that we will get a suitable replacement

Catalan must have made him an outstanding offer, be interesting just how much. Players move on that's life.
Meanwhile the rumour mill springs into action. Latest one circulating is the wires Clarke is reportedly unhappy in lancashire, wants to come back to gods own county. Cas would not be able to afford him. Him and Lunt would be a decent combination .
I don't want houghton, good tackle machine but does not offer much going forward.

I'm with Tad on this.
GH will have it covered. As soon as Aiton rejected the offer, they will have been sniffing around
How many players have left Leeds and gone on to better things, and the team has suffered?

Good luck to Aiton. At 30 it's probably his last big contract, so take the money it seems.