Smith does a huge amount of tackles. With Gannon coming back after a year off with concussion issues I wouldn't think making him a tackling machine would be a good idea. Hope to see him as more of an attacking threat. Really haven't seen enough of him in a Leeds shirt to know how good he really is however it looks like the club has confidence in him long term.

On the pack, only two new signings are actually forwards, although two of the backs might be better at moving the ball in a yardage sense.

Nothing wrong with a smaller better quality squad until injuries/suspensions bite and we have to play the kids.
I think we are still a couple of signings short.

There's been two major problems in the last 2 years. 1 has been too many signings who were part of the squad, but would not likely be pushing for a starting spot (Roberts, Ruan, Warren, Olpherts etc.). It's created imbalance in the squad where there's too much quantity, not enough quality.

The second has been tactical, and the passive defence that has been discussed to death. The thought of Hall and Sivo bringing the ball back in place of Edgell and Lumb (though both did well for their age/size), coupled with a more aggressive defensive line will massively reduce the workload for our front row.

Our front row bar Oledski didn't do much work that was part of the problem. Agree completely about the yardage in backfield but I would be hoping for increased workload from our front considering in some cases you were lucky to get 15 minutes out of them!

I think Oledski abd Palasia starting with Lisone/ Holroyd / Jenkins on bench will give us a much better all round pack.

The FB and wings all have good go forward early sets and a fit Newman with Handley will help too.

I still think the back row is missing a hard runner but if Gannon has bulked up and health sticks that could be big for us.