He did but since then they've brought in Korisau and told Ballin to find a new club.

Disappointed Aiton's leaving as I think we're losing a good player. I also think he may regret it in the future but then if he's earning more money and playing in the South of France it's a very tempting offer and I wouldn't blame him for taking it.

As for replacements I'd be happy with Houghton, not too sure about Lunt. I thought he was excellent for us a few years back but just not sure if he's the same player now. Some players play well all or most of their careers and some shine for just a year or 2. I'm just not sure if he's the former or the latter.

Just hope this isn't unsettling to the team at the business end of the season.

I fully agree re: Lunt. Was Hoping we kept hold of him after his loan season and his season at Huddersfield after his spell here was brilliant as well but I feel he's regressed the last 2 years, possibly injuries haven't helped?

Currently I feel he would be a downgrade on Aiton and also isn't he signed up for Hull KR for next season anyway?

Interesting to see what happens regarding possible replacement from outside unless we just stick with Burrow and Ward?

Most of the season rumours have been about a 'marquee' Halfback signing but does our need for a top quality hooker replacement for Aiton now outweigh our need for a new halfback??

I think in terms of what he's offered this season, it'll be the defensive side to his game we'll need to replace most, which is why if we were to buy any hooker from super league I'd be more than happy with Houghton.

Always makes me chuckle. The amount of players who have left us for more money but won little to nothing. They might make more basic salary but what do they lose in win bonuses and external sponsorshi?

He's been a good player this year but if a player wants to leave then cut them loose.

Good news thanks. Balin has the right cv and has already played at Headingley

Makes me chuckle someone would presume he wouldn't weight up the pros and cons for him and make his decision in full view of the facts (unlike us). Who has left for more money? I can't think of anyone??

Also why do people put different expectations on players re loyalty than they would themselves, it's a job?! You telling me you wouldn't take an increase in salary at a rival company?

Balin would be a fantastic signing - I've always been an Aiton fan and was one of the few who were very happy when we announced his signing (I even posted a topic before he signed saying we should be looking at him) but Balin would be an upgrade in all areas. He's also the ultimate professional and would be a fantastic influence on the team from a diet and fitness perspective.

Balin actually has a successful personal trainer business in Oz, so that might put him off a move over here.

Houghton would also be an adequate replacement IMO.

Definitely disappointed to see Aiton go though, I feel he's a catalyst for much of our good stuff in defence and attack.

Disappointed to see him leave but if we were to get Houghton for instance it'd make the disappointment minimal.

No qualms with him opting to leave either as pointed out earlier, I think the whole "staying at Leeds instead of more money elsewhere" thing is more directed at players of a younger age and who also made questionable choices like Smith and Walker going to RU and messed up their careers. Aiton might not win trophies at Catalans but he's already won a CC with Leeds and a good chance he will again and perhaps add a GF and LLS too. He could well have won all he can part from a WCC by the time he's left. He'll also do well there and be a consistent starter for a number of years and a key part of their team....again a big difference from the punt the likes of Smith and Walker made and Mathers too trying his luck in Australia.

As for Houghton, defensively you can't complain. Attack wise not the strongest BUT then again he's been playing for a Hull team who for several years have been a very poor attacking side. A move to Leeds with the way we are attacking nowadays may be a breathe of fresh air for him and unlock a side of his game attack-wise that hasn't been seen yet.

I'm disappointed that Aiton is leaving us at the end of the season as he has had a very good season and i would have thought that he could have seen his career out with us

If his decision to leave is purely monetary based then I fully respect his decision as this will probably be his last pro contract and he obviously has a family to look after

I hope that he does move to the Dragons as rumoured, I would hate Wigan to sign him as they would be a far better side with him at 9 rather than the present incumbent Mental Mickey

I personally am not too disappointed with Aitons department as long as a suitable and quality enough replacement is brought in although I have to say Paul has been the form hooker in 2015 and I think he has been better than Roby tbh and definitely Clark and Mcilorum but I think any of the 3 hookers who have been linked to replace aiton are good enough I would happily have Houghton, Ballin or Lunt for next season.

Like many have said, he's gone okay this year and made us very solid up the middle. But I can't say he'll be one we remember much about (although we still have the business end of the season to come so who knows?).
Gap filler. I have no issue with him going for more cash.

Shame he didn't stick around given he was technically under contract. I know he had a get out clause but it's unlucky that he chose to use it. After the mystery Illness kept him out of playing for a long spell and then the Aussie drug issue I think a lot of fans thought he would repay that and see out the three year deal.

As other have said I would be happy with Houghton. Balin would be ok as well,the year or two we would get from him would give us time to recruit a more long term option or develop any Younger Hookers we have, if any?.

If we end up with Lunt I would still see it as better than Burrow at 9 for a year,or god forbid,two.

It sounds like they knew this was coming but Hetherington didn't sound to be in a rush and mentioned it will take as long as it takes...not comforting.Most players are already signed up for next year. What is Houghtons situation? is OoC?

I dare say we already have our replacement 9 signed. GH let the cat out of the bag on this one a while back through his second media department (YEP) and that won't have been done by mistake.

And I dare say it's a name that's not been mentioned on this thread cos that's just how we seem to operate!