Seriously. Sinfield was playing 6 vice 13 and Burrow was seeing more game time at 9 so there was room for Gale if the management had the desire to keep him. I cant think of any other player Leeds have released and then paid big money to bring back, so yes maybe I am wrong and he'll be an outstanding signing. Personally I'd rather they' sorted the pack out first.

When Gale left us he played in the lower leagues at Doncaster for 2 years, he wasn’t Super League ready. He’s certainly been a late developer, good on him for continuing to improve as a player throughout his career.

Very happy with this, Gales exactly the type lf half we need and light years ahead of Myler. The injury risk is there but its a risk worth taking imo...Especially when we'v got a young talent like McCllellend waiting in the wings.

I'm actually quite enthusiastic about Gale joining, more so than I was when it was just rumoured to be honest. He seem genuinely excited about the move and if he can get back to anything like he is just the sort of player we have been lacking, him and lei could be a great partnership, Gale is very good at getting quick and decent ball to the outside backs and in Hurrell and Newman we have two centres who will thrive on good early ball. He is also a very good organiser and a clever kicker.

IMO we'll have a better kicking game between Lui and Gale then I can probably remember. We've tended to have running half backs and then Sinfield as the organiser.
To be fair Lolohea has a cracking pass on him occasionally, but I'd expect more consistency from Gale and you're right, the outside backs should thrive off his service.
I don't know whether Gale and Lui are a title-winning combo, but it shifts the weakest link elsewhere and plugs another hole on the dam.

I've never been a huge fan of Gale but to be fair that's been a result of his posturing and cocky swagger which I've always hated. There's no doubting his kicking game and organisation are first class and he has the ability to pull a team around something I can't remember seeing from us in a long time. As a fan we're clearly a far better team with him in it than without so I'm happy with the move. Watching the press conference and seeing how enthusiastic he is to join I'm genuinely excited to watch and see the impact having a player like Gale in that position makes as it's chalk and cheese from where we've been in recent years. I think it's a really smart move by the club. It fills an immediate (and desperate) need and will make a huge impact on bringing McCelland through - he'll learn so much from Gale over the next few years. By the time Gale's 3 years are up then Callum should be more than ready to step in and take over the management role of the team (if not before).

I really like Myler. You can't fault his effort and commitment - I wish more of our squad had shown the same level that he has over the last season but his game management and kicking is miles away from what's needed for the role he's playing in the team. Can't see any ay he'll still be here come the start of next season. If Gale can reign in the ridiculous posturing and focus on doing what he's capable of on the pitch I think the impact he makes can be really significant. We've had an absolutely horrible couple of years but the club have made some fantastic (and sometimes very tough) decisions over the course of this year. Well done KS and the team. I'm not under any delusion that we're suddenly going to be top 3 quality overnight but If Stevie can get and stay fit I'm excited to see what we can offer up next year.

Good post, totally agree. What you said about bringing in McLelland is key - I think the club is completely focused on developing the youth talent, and appointments like Gale bring in quality and experience in key positions for the young lads to learn from.

Even if we do find a good prop we’re still a way off where we should be, but I’d be very confident of avoiding the relegation scrap (if there is one) next season with the new team. We lost a lot of games this year due to poor options at half back and some slack defending - both issues are being sorted.

I’ve not always been a Gale fan but he is a great signing for what we need now. There aren’t many quality English players available and he is one.

We should be realistic as you say; the team is still immature and we still have some weak spots, but I do think KS deserves some credit for what he’s trying to change.

I’ve already said my piece on Gale, I’m happy with it. But just to mention about the swagger and prancing he does, I think he might do against Cas or the first time he scores but I don’t think Kev will stand for it, I think he will be very professional and passionate for us.

I have never rated Gale and in the games that really count he's invisible.Having said that I hope the lad gets fit.
We will probably have three players in the first team squad (Crosby,Gale,Ward) who have played one and a half games BETWEEN them last season (all Ward).These players will not be super league game fit for quite a while.

I think in Gale's case it has been a case of bad luck more than anything.

Ward and Crosby should be fit for next season. I'm guessing both will feature in some pre-season games.

Having a bit of swagger at 7 isn't the worst thing in the world - he seems popular enough with team mates regardless. I'm more bothered about how he links our team together on the park and gives us more direction - we've been playing as a group of individuals far too often.

Think most fans of all clubs are the same...When he's another teams show off, prancing pillock you cant stand him, when he's your show off, prancing pillock, you love him...Or atleast accept him. Part of the enjoyment of being a fan imo.