Leeds were in for McIlorum and McIlorum wasn't aware of it until after he signed his new Wigan contract...

Lilley is lucky in one respect that he will be getting a shot in a Rhinos squad that doesn't have Sinny in it what so ever and that Magsy is now entering the veteran stages of his career compared to half backs like Gale for example that had far younger versions of the Sinfield's,McGuire's and Burrow's variety blocking their pathway to the first team

I'd guess that Lilley will get plenty of opportunities next season to showcase his talents in the first team and IMO he's very lucky to be the next cab off the rank and at a very favourable time for him to nail down a half back spot on a longer deal

Thought Lilley looked the better half back than hooker. Hes looked a good organiser and brave.

Thought Lilley looked the better half back than hooker. Hes looked a good organiser and brave.

There's an obsession with halfbacks being quick. Thurston is reasonably quick but not lightning fast and Cronk is probably slower. Johns wasn't and neither was Lockyer at the end of his career. AS bit of speed always helps but its by no means the only requirement, and we can all cite plenty of examples of very quick halfbacks who were rubbish at everything except running.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if there's a direct negative correlation between how quick a young halfback is and how good their organisational skills are.

It's the old age group coaching thing again, where the temptation is to stick the biggest/quickest/most talented kid at half-back so you can get their hands on the ball most often. Sides become one-man teams, being carried by the outstanding individual who is often being asked to play in a position that they aren't going to be good enough to play at open age level once their physical advantages are taken away.