It's a fair comment. Arthur has said quite a few times that one of the players he's most enjoyed coaching over here is Newman. He's probably our most similar player to Connor in terms of talent and temperament. It's been very interesting to see what Shaun Wane has brought out of Newman when he's played for England, which is similar to what Wayne Bennett brought out in Connor.

I think sometimes the best thing for a player with an ego and reputation is a coach with a bigger ego and reputation, combined with a deft touch on how to bring the best out of that player.

Time will tell whether Arthur can do that with Connor and Newman, but I certainly expect him to do far better than Rohan Smith in that regard.

Probably the best that we could get without using up a quota spot.

On his day Connor is a fantastic player and can singlehandedly rip teams top shreds on his own.

Think the comment about reigning in / harnessing his undoubted maverick tendencies is going to be key.

BA has had an positive effect on Bentley, Miller and TBF the squad as a whole. He knows what he wants from his players and if he doesn't get it then they are going to struggle to regain his trust and game time. No Nonsense and Im all for it.

Wayne Bennett said previously Connor was a player he enjoyed coaching and had an X-Factor about him, here's hoping a coach in a similar mould can coax the performances and attitude out of him on a regular basis. If not, BA doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who suffers fools gladly.

I don't think we need Sivo. Hall is going to be starting in a Grand Final. Why would he be a reserve here?

Sivo would be our world class attacking threat. It would provide great cover for any loss of form, injury and to allow players to be rested who have niggles without the replacement being Luis Robert's (I know he has now gone) or a 2nd row filling in at centre and significantly reducing the standard of our back line.

By the sounds of it, it does not sound like he will be coming though.

You have to credit Blease he is making a difference. Leeds have released 8 players of which only Martin was a regular starter in the 17. Discounted Fusitua as he missed so many games. We have brought in 4 players who are all potential starters in the 17. Add in Holroyd and Gannon and we look in a much better place. We have added size in the pack and guaranteed metres out of backfield plus some creativity with Connor. If we could secure another release and a strike player you would have to be pleased with the transfer business. Its not that long since the chat was we had little room to change the squad till 2026

i his reply yesterday on X he said ''I've asked the club about Sivo a few weeks ago, he's been offered to SL clubs but I'm told he's not heading to Leeds'' in his reply - that to me reads it's not happening unless the circumstances have now changed.. .