FORUMS FORUMS



  
FORUMS > Leeds Rhinos > RD 21 | Wigan Warriors H
142 posts in 10 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
RankPostsTeam
International Board Member13622No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Nov 200222 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2024Nov 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Quote: Exeter Rhino "I agree with this. It's not like Smith was plucked from utter obscurity. To an extent he rode his luck getting us to the GF, but there was plenty more that could have gone for us that didn't (e.g. not losing Sezer to concussion protocols before the GF, losing Martin to the disciplinary every other week, etc).

Smith had success elsewhere, and for whatever reason, his approach didn't fit Leeds or SL. There's only so much a coach can control. Ultimately IMO Smith's failing was not adapting quickly enough after the 2022 GF run approach stopped bearing fruit. There were mitigating factors in 2023, but doubling down in 2024 was not the right way to go. Arthur is a breath of fresh air, but let's not forget even he had gone stale at Parramatta and didn't have a win-loss record much better than Smith at Leeds.

2023 was a real disappointment. Smith didn't have much cap space to use, but he managed to clear a lot of dead wood - I see no-one is clamouring for Briscoe, Sutcliffe and Dwyer to come back. It's a shame we didn't retain Hardaker for another season, but on the face of it McDonnell, Macdonald, and maybe Lisone were decent signings. Olpherts, Roberts and Hooley were obviously gambles given what little room was left on the cap.

Of the current squad assembled by Smith, I see a lot of people referring to it not being good enough, but which players exactly are letting us down?

IMO, Croft, Miller, McDonnell, and Ackers have been for the most part good signings. Miller has had a few howlers but his game has stabilised under Arthur.

Frawley and Momirovski haven't endeared themselves to everyone, but Frawley's been great under Arthur, and Momirovski looks like he will be a good winger's centre given time and a full pre-season.

Lisone and Bentley (Smith re-signing) have been disappointing for their persistent indiscipline/errors, but they are about the only properly aggressive forwards we have. Upgrades would be good, especially on Lisone.

Fusitu'a and Gannon are potentially first choice players, but perennial injuries have kept them out. The decision to re-sign Fusitu'a looked terrible after the surgery lay-off at the start of the season, and he still can't string many 80 minute performances together.

On the flip-side, Jarrod O'Connor has been a revelation under Smith, even if he's not an out and out hooker. Handley and Martin have been consistently good under Smith too.

Is it the other Leeds boys letting us down? Oledski makes a lot of metres every week, and Cam Smith is (?still) the top tackler in SL. But Oledski is not a pack leader, and Smith has question marks over his role as a ball-playing 13. And then there's the 'superstar' Harry Newman, allegedly on marquee money, who has produced little since signing his last contract - I rarely get the sense that Harry is willing to put his body (and ego) on the line for the team. Smith defended Newman when his discipline was questioned by Sky pundits but Newman still seems more likely to have an on-field argument with a team mate than anyone. Holroyd is another one - feted as the next big thing in the pack but just not at the races when he last played. Is this about attitude, and/or bad luck with injuries?

Maybe a pre-season with Arthur, plus a couple of shrewd additions to the pack, and this team won't be too far off? Or am I seeing this all wrong, and we need another clear-out?'"


I think that's pretty much spot on. IMO we don't need another clear out, we have some very talented players, we just need some additions and they will be key and they all need to be in the pack.

I think its just a natural fans reaction when not playing well that they all the players need to be cleared out, when in reality its just good players underperforming for a multitude of reasons.

Keep Arthur add some grit and power in the forwards and we will go well next year, we have some great youngsters coming through (who apparently R Smith has helped a lot) there's absolutely no need for the overused 'rebuild'.

RankPostsTeam
Club Captain5956
JoinedServiceReputation
Mar 20178 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Dec 2024Dec 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



A quality coach with a sprinkling of talent on the field can make a huge difference. The coach needs the players buy in and Arthur would weed out any chancers pretty quickly given a good offseason and some time.

RankPostsTeam
International Chairman9576
JoinedServiceReputation
Feb 200223 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Dec 2024Nov 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



We don't have that many players that are not SL standard, but we do have a terrible lack of balance within the squad and in specific areas of it. These two things can both be true at the same time. It's well documented that our pack is underpowered, particularly the Front Row, but also in the variety of options we have in the back row positions. We have too many players that are "the same" and not enough size or variety of skill set.

If we look at the backs, there have been a number of gambles taken, Miller, Fusitua, Momirovski all signed at great expense, and all have so far flatterer to deceive. Miller looks the most likely to come good, but at 30 this week, time is not exactly on his side given his lack of experience. Fusitua will leave at the end of the season and the jury is still out on Momirovski.

We need to change the balance of the squad, with more grunt and size in the forwards, and more speed in the backs. The halves will feed off the platform that the forwards can maintain, so they will both look better with a better pack and more structure in the approach. As an example, because of playing structure, Luke Gale looked like a Golden Boot candidate in 2017 at Cas, and was barely adequate at Leeds only 3 years later.

We don't need to rip up the squad and start again, but we shouldn't be extending anyone coming out of contract, and also looking to move a few others on who are just not what we need.

RankPostsTeam
Club Coach24452
JoinedServiceReputation
Dec 200420 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2024Dec 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



I'm not an expert by any means but from what i know just because newman is marquee doesn't make him highly paid. he is club trained so it's just manipulating the salary cap. if I'm mistaken someone will put me right

RankPostsTeam
International Star1440No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jul 201113 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Dec 2024Dec 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Quote: Exeter Rhino "

Frawley and Momirovski haven't endeared themselves to everyone, but Frawley's been great under Arthur, and Momirovski looks like he will be a good winger's centre given time and a full pre-season.
'"


I think using words like great to describe Frawley’s performances under Arthur is a bit over the top. We’ve won 2 out of five and Frawley has improved for sure….but great ? As for Momorovski, I don’t think a full pre season will make him any faster or suddenly see him busting through defenders, and if he’s making poor attempts at tackles when he’s 28 I don’t see him suddenly improving at 29. He’s been the most disappointing signing for me, on the basis I wasn’t expecting anything from Frawley anyway. Like everyone else I’m hoping they continue to improve under Arthur , but I think we will need more stardust alongside them because for me they’re both pretty average at best. Frawley’s kicking game has improved but don’t expect to see a 40/20 from him before he retires, and he’s still kicking the ball straight down defenders throats most times. Roll on The Wire and let’s hope these two put back to back decent performances together.

RankPostsTeam
Fringe Player1255No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Dec 20213 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2024Nov 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Agree re the balance not being right. A huge wedge of cap space (and quota spots) has been used on the backs, but while our front row is weak we don't look particularly great in the backs as a set either. We do have some kids with potential though, who ought to get a chance if the bigger names don't perform, and hopefully with a more structured gameplan and pack that holds its own our backs will look better as well.

If we can get a couple of quality props, then our pack will depend on how well the likes of Holroyd, Gannon and Littlewood perform. Maybe Hudson, Warren and Ruan too. In the case of both Gannon and Holroyd it seems like next season will be make or break - will either avoid concussions, and if they do, will they kick on? We cannot wait around forever for either of them.

We should have a lot of young forwards trying to force their way into the 17 every week. We need to be in a position where the likes of Sangare, Goudemand and Donaldson are way down the pecking order. Those three for a start should not be renewed.

RankPostsTeam
International Star1906No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Aug 201113 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2024Sep 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
TO BE FIXED



Rohan Smith was an abject failure, how have I arrived at this remarkable conclusion. By simply looking at the facts, we are out of the playoffs unlikely to participate in the playoffs (big loss of revenue) Dumped out of the challenge cup, (big loss of revenue). Several players not fit for purpose, several players mid table quality, which is what the team is at the moment. Arthur’s appointment was smart, the wonderful win against Wigan had his fingerprints all over it. Let’s face it this coaching scenario is far from ideal, at the moment we can’t undertake any planning for next season because we won’t know if he will be the coach. If Arthur chooses to return home we will be scrambling to appoint a new coach, not many decent coaches available. Mainly because if they are any good they are working.

142 posts in 10 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
142 posts in 10 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>



All views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the RLFANS.COM or its subsites.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that news stories, articles and images are correct, we cannot be held responsible for errors. However, if you feel any material on this website is copyrighted or incorrect in any way please contact us using the link at the top of the page so we can remove it or negotiate copyright permission.

RLFANS.COM, the owners of this website, is not responsible for the content of its sub-sites or posts, please email the author of this sub-site or post if you feel you find an article offensive or of a choice nature that you disagree with.

Copyright 1999 - 2024 RLFANS.COM

You must be 18+ to gamble, for more information and for help with gambling issues see https://www.begambleaware.org/.



Please Support RLFANS.COM


2.953125:10
RLFANS Recent Posts
FORUM
LAST
POST
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
13m
Film game
Boss Hog
5915
27m
ALL NEW 49ERS ERA LEEDS UTD THREAD
Trebor1
2641
58m
Mike Cooper podcast
matt_wire
21
Recent
Ground Improvements
vastman
242
Recent
Transfer chatter for 2025 - New Dec 1st tamper date
Irregs#16
8
Recent
NBR Does Smithers have a hangover
Deadcowboys1
11
Recent
Transfer Talk V5
Father Ted
550
FORUM
LAST
VIEW
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
49s
Game - Song Titles
Boss Hog
40837
50s
ALL NEW 49ERS ERA LEEDS UTD THREAD
Trebor1
2641
58s
Recruitment rumours and links
Smiffy27
3555
1m
Rumours and signings v9
NSW
28912
1m
Mike Cooper podcast
matt_wire
21
1m
Planning for next season
Septimius Se
190
2m
Transfer chatter for 2025 - New Dec 1st tamper date
Irregs#16
8
4m
Co-Captains for 2025
Vic Mackie
19
4m
Friendlies
Deadcowboys1
3
5m
BORED The Band Name Game
Boss Hog
63302
FORUM
NEW
TOPICS
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
TODAY
Friendlies
Deadcowboys1
3
TODAY
Sam Luckley likely to miss the beginning of new season
Huddersfield
1
TODAY
Frankie Halton sign new deal
Huddersfield
1
TODAY
Transfer chatter for 2025 - New Dec 1st tamper date
Irregs#16
8
TODAY
Trinity shop Sunday opening
phe13
1
TODAY
Tyler Craig
Wanderer
1
TODAY
Matty Ashurst testimonial dinner
Big lads mat
1
TODAY
2025 Squad Numbers
Jake the Peg
27
TODAY
England Women Las Vegas train-on squad
RLFANS News
1
TODAY
Quiz night
H.G.S.A
1
TODAY
Co-Captains for 2025
Vic Mackie
19
TODAY
Cornwall has a new owner
CM Punk
2
TODAY
Callum Shaw
Wanderer
1
TODAY
Squad Numbers
phe13
4
TODAY
Rhinos squad numbers
Rixy
1
TODAY
Squad numbers
Warrior Wing
8
TODAY
Mat Crowther pre season update
Dunkirk Spir
1
TODAY
Mike Cooper podcast
matt_wire
21
TODAY
Shirt reveal coming soon
Trojan Horse
50
TODAY
Opening Championship and League One Fixtures for 2025 Released
RLFANS News
1
NEWS ITEMS
VIEWS
POSTSONLINEREGISTRATIONSRECORD
19.65M 1,917 80,15614,103
LOGIN HERE
or REGISTER for more features!.

When you register you get access to the live match scores, live match chat and you can post in the discussions on the forums.
RLFANS Match Centre
 Thu 13th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R1
20:00
Wigan
v
Leigh
 Fri 14th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R1
20:00
Hull KR
v
Castleford
20:00
Catalans
v
Hull FC
 Sat 15th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R1
15:00
Leeds
v
Wakefield
17:30
St.Helens
v
Salford
       Championship 2025-R1
18:00
Toulouse
v
Widnes
 Sun 16th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R1
15:00
Huddersfield
v
Warrington
       Championship 2025-R1
15:00
Bradford
v
LondonB
15:00
Featherstone
v
Doncaster
15:00
Oldham
v
York
15:00
Sheffield
v
Halifax
15:00
Barrow
v
Hunslet
 Thu 20th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R2
20:00
Wakefield
v
Hull KR
 Fri 21st Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R2
20:00
Warrington
v
Catalans
20:00
Hull FC
v
Wigan
 Sat 22nd Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R2
15:00
Salford
v
Leeds
20:00
Castleford
v
St.Helens
 Sun 23rd Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R2
14:30
Leigh
v
Huddersfield
       Championship 2025-R2
15:00
Halifax
v
Barrow
15:00
Hunslet
v
Bradford
ALL SCORES PROVIDED BY RLFANS.COM (SETTINGS)
Matches on TV
Thu 13th Feb
SL
20:00
Wigan-Leigh
Fri 14th Feb
SL
20:00
Hull KR-Castleford
SL
20:00
Catalans-Hull FC
Sat 15th Feb
SL
15:00
Leeds-Wakefield
SL
17:30
St.Helens-Salford
Sun 16th Feb
SL
15:00
Huddersfield-Warrington
Thu 20th Feb
SL
20:00
Wakefield-Hull KR
Fri 21st Feb
SL
20:00
Warrington-Catalans
SL
20:00
Hull FC-Wigan
Sat 22nd Feb
SL
15:00
Salford-Leeds
SL
20:00
Castleford-St.Helens
Sun 23rd Feb
SL
14:30
Leigh-Huddersfield
Fri 28th Feb
SL
20:00
Huddersfield-Hull FC
SL
20:00
Hull KR-Salford
SL
20:00
Leigh-Catalans
Sat 1st Mar
SL
14:30
Wakefield-St.Helens
SL
21:30
Wigan-Warrington
Sun 2nd Mar
SL
15:00
Leeds-Castleford
Thu 6th Mar
SL
20:00
Hull FC-Leigh
Fri 7th Mar
SL
20:00
Castleford-Salford
This is an inplay table and live positions can change.
Mens Betfred Super League XXVIII ROUND : 1
 PLDFADIFFPTS
Wigan 29 768 338 430 48
Hull KR 29 731 344 387 44
Warrington 29 769 351 418 42
Leigh 29 580 442 138 33
Salford 28 556 561 -5 32
St.Helens 28 618 411 207 30
 
Catalans 27 475 427 48 30
Leeds 27 530 488 42 28
Huddersfield 27 468 658 -190 20
Castleford 27 425 735 -310 15
Hull FC 27 328 894 -566 6
LondonB 27 317 916 -599 6
This is an inplay table and live positions can change.
Betfred Championship 2024 ROUND : 1
 PLDFADIFFPTS
Wakefield 27 1032 275 757 52
Toulouse 26 765 388 377 37
Bradford 28 723 420 303 36
York 29 695 501 194 32
Widnes 27 561 502 59 29
Featherstone 27 634 525 109 28
 
Sheffield 26 626 526 100 28
Doncaster 26 498 619 -121 25
Halifax 26 509 650 -141 22
Batley 26 422 591 -169 22
Swinton 28 484 676 -192 20
Barrow 25 442 720 -278 19
Whitehaven 25 437 826 -389 18
Dewsbury 27 348 879 -531 4
Hunslet 1 6 10 -4 0
YOU HAVE RECENT POSTS OFF


Visit the RLFANS.COM SHOP
for more merchandise!