RATU TO HKR

Quote: G1 " the one splashy expensive overseas signing we have made has, in fact, taken the team no further than where they were last year.'"

Hardly a surprise when that one 'splashy' overseas signing didn't directly replace any of the four players Leeds were losing from their 1st grade squad between the end of the 2008 season and the start of the 2009 one.

It was an odd signing, guaranteed only to reduce the role a long standing, existing and continueing member of the 1st grade squad.

Whatever the Leeds recruitment policy in the last off season was, the results thus far have seen them relinquish their hold on the WCC trophy they held and lose at the first hurdle in a home Challenge Cup tie. Results that the club would be right to consider unacceptable. On the plus side the absence from mounting any serious challenge in the cup has allowed them the breathing space throughout the year to take out the League Leaders Shield (thanks in part to a faltering St Helens outfit) and place themselves in absolute pole position to win their third successive title.

If and when that happens I'll be as proud as any other Leeds fan, IMO.

Quote: G1 "maybe because the academy isn't producing like in recent years. we had a golden period, mcguire, burrow etc, but only since then in dribs and drabs(some quality dribs and drabs admittedly).
hence buying the likes of pitts and amor,young players who feel they can improve.'"

There is no maybe about it, is there? When you look at the reserves who went out to St Helens last weekend it was a Leeds team containing plenty of SL experienced young players who are supposed to be on the fringes of the Leeds 1st grade, (Watkins, Jones-Bishop, Ratu, Broughton, Allan, Pitts, McShane, Manning, Gibson and Chandler), they got beat 59 - 28.

I take as much pride as the next Loiner for Leeds staying within the salary cap and within the overseas trained limits set down by the RFL but next season they are using a loophole to get around the quota.