Let's all be honest here, Hardaker took a while to get going last year, he's started pretty much the same this so people saying he's a different version to last, no he's not he's just taking a while to get going AGAIN!

True, said when it came to MOS time that I would go for one of the two props over Hardaker because Hardaker was actually pretty average/ok for the first 8-10 games of last season.

As for last night and the reason the scorelines was still tight at HT was completely down to Wigan. They were good in all departments until they got near our try line and you could see how badly they missed Williams, Tomkins and McIlorum. The latter especially, wasn't a problem last night but come the crunch games missing McIlorum and having Powell instead could be costly.

I'm wondering if Hardaker isn't performing quite so well because he appears to have grown up? It's a while since he's been in any bother. Perhaps his form feeds off behaving badly (like John McEnroe in Tennis) therefore he needs to resume his role of Serial Miscreant?

I've not seen the stats from last night, but I'd say Hardaker has been overall our strongest player along with Cuthbertson so far this season. I think he's having to do far too much work in returning the ball, the stats last week show him to make 2nd most metres, and 3rd most carries, just one less than Singleton. He doesn't look as dangerous as last season because he's basically a one man attack as far as the backs are concerned, running in broken space is his forte along with supporting breaks from other players. I still think he is a standout in a poor team at the moment, and until others up their game you will not see the best of Zak.

GOOD ENOUGH TO PLAY FOR LEEDS FROM LAST NIGHTS TEAM (not last nights performance)

HARDAKER
WATKINS
HALL
CUTHBERTSON
GARBUTT
FERRES if he stops giving daft penalties away
SINGLETON
J.J.B
BURROW as sub



PLAYERS GOOD ENOUGH THAT ARE INJURED

BRISCOE
MOON
MAGS
ABLETT
WARD


COACH - Despite all the trophies - the jury is still out

I have offered my view of Hardaker with consistent reason. That my opinion is different than yours does not make it unreasonable or wrong. Indeed others are coming to realise Hardaker's attacking deficiencies too and his overrated one on one defense which are the issues I have have pointed out from the start. IMO he is usually a very good defender but lacks the skills needed to be rated top class. It would appear you have a touch of "the King's new clothes"

"You are not incorrect" Is this Gotcha speak to avoid admitting I am right?

I always laugh at people who say that a player is good enough to play for a club (Leeds or whoever). You can be a very good player, but if you have little respect for the club and lazy, then is it worth having a super talent at your club? Keinhorst for example, is a good squad player. He is lucky to get some game time at Leeds.But he has more heart and shows more fight, than a number of alleged big name players. He gives his best and rarely lets his team down. He is not the most talented or the most skillful player by a long way. Personally I would rather have somebody like that in my team, than some Aussie like Galloway or Achurch.

Its amazing how people can knock a Coach like Brian Mcdermott. I presume its some fluke, that his teams has won the Grand Final and Challenge Cup so often. I presume he has little idea on the game looking at his record. Everybody knew Leeds would struggle this year. Some big name players like Ferres and Galloway have let themselves and teammates down so far. A bit unlucky that Danny Mcguire, your captain, is injured in the very first game. Leeds Rhinos, as I understand had a bad pre season with Kirkstall being out of action. Such things have a big impact. I am sure Mr Mcdermott has made some mistakes, but I think him and the Leeds club have had some bad luck. Looking at his record, any fans who think he is a poor coach, seriously need to look at what he has achieved and the respect he has from people, who have a far better understanding of the game than most, if not all on here.

From an FC fan; your assessment on Galloway is very, very kind. He looks shot. He reminds me of a player we would sign. He is a plodder and not a very good one.

The only real mistake I can remember Hadaker making was dropping a bomb. Aside from that I think you have to credit the quality of wigans kicks and their chase which limited Kick returns in general for us. He also made a couple of good tackles and a couple of kicks trying for a repeat set, something no one else seemed to be interested in.

Other than that I agree with what's been said. Manfredi looks like the prototype winger for the modern game.

Well said.

i said the jury is still out on the coach , is it him that should be credited with the trophy wins or was it more the experience of Sinny , J.P , Mags and others game management that has seen us through . I stil maintain that without Sutty getting injured we would not have won the treble and that was not down to the coach .