That is true to a point, but Leeds can afford to exploit marquee rules to the limit, which makes a big difference. We should also be able to spend far more on junior development than most clubs, and could many other clubs afford the transfer fees paid for Croft and Ackers? I doubt it.

The signings and choice of coach have just been awful for years. Get those things right and we'd have stayed up near the top. We didn't, and the result is where we're at.

We could never outrun just how many terrible decisions GH was making at every level in regard to the squad + coach. It literally became impossible to ever move forward.

I don't know if Blease is the man to move us forward, but if he fails, I hope fans don't adopt the bizarre logic that GH stepping down was wrong. It should have happened years ago.

But I'm desperate for some signing news.

Blease, Blease tell me now. Is there something I should know?

Might Mom be thinking “Blease release me, let me go…”?

Think yesterday’s press release was timely as I’m sure the club are well aware of our fans frustration at the 2024 season and want to reassure that things are happening.

Peter Smith’s article alludes to more contracted players leaving which is a common theme on here. He clearly knows a lot more than he has posted.

To be honest I’m not d when they announce signings, just need to be certain they do.

Sorry, can’t get Blease in this but “need a little patience!”

Born in Leeds Dad from Leeds he is most definitely not from featherstone get your facts right before spouting complete nonsense.

The normal hogwash. James Harrison, was a Featherstone player when he played a couple of games for Leeds at a time when Championship clubs weren't even playing fixtures. He returned to them at the end of the 2020 season. You've suggested that Rohan Smith, who didn't join the club for another 18 months, rejected him because he was too tall. Why not have the grace to admit you were very wrong and move on?

Never mentioned where he played you said he's not from Leeds he is, you don't like it because I'm right and you know it.

So he was born in Leeds, so what?

Now what about all the other nonsense you wrote?

Well actually, no I didn't. I said (as many others have also pointed out) that he came to the club from Featherstone, and that is where he returned. I made no mention of his place of birth. I'll leave it here. Clearly the truth isn't important to you.

Bob Fulton was born in Warrington. Outrageous that they didn't sign him and stop his family emigrating when he was four years old. Weren't they planning for the future??

Smith can be blamed for a lot of things, but James Harrison isn't one of them.

I will defend Smith a little bit whilst I'm here re some of the squad signings people have criticised. I don't think he signed Hooley, Roberts et al expecting them all to become stars. He noted when he joined we had zero depth in some positions - our first reserve half back and centre were just 17 years old. He asked where all the guys in their early twenties were who should be pushing for a spot. The answer is that we didn't have any. So he brought in some of those guys to add depth. Where he went wrong, clearly, was in the major signings, particularly the front row.

Now his team tactics are another thing entirely...

Jake Connor has huge talent, utility value, experience, can kick goals and BA wont take any nonsense.

Whats the issue?

I think Jake Connor to us makes a lot of sense, but it's not without huge risk.

Kris has pointed out why we could do with him above, but I think Connor needs the move probably more than we do. I think Connor is one of the most naturally gifted players produced by SL over the last 10 years, but for whatever reason (mindset, ego, personal issues etc.), he's at massive risk of his career fizzling out without really having achieved anything of significance.

The best I've personally seen of him is when he played centre for England under Wayne Bennett. IMO he's spent too much of his career being a big fish in a small pond, and it could be the making of him being the other way around. Then again, it could totally flop.

One thing is for sure, I trust BA way more on this one than I would if the rumour had come out when RS was coach.

The other thing Connor could offer is cover at half back. The jury is out on whether Sinfield will ever make it. He looks a long way from a starting halfback to me, and yet we're one injury away from that. Having another player at the club who has at least some experience playing in the halves is not a bad thing.

As for his attitude or whatever, I think we've started to see the Brad Arthur who survived as an NRL head coach for years since the season ended. Connor would clearly be a big gamble, but having a coach who won't stand for any nonsense and who has coached genuine stars like Hayne before makes it a lower risk, as per exiled Rhino's comment.