NEW SIGNINGS

Quote: Harrigan "Is that the case though? I see quality when I watch the Leeds team. I also see a team devoid of ideas though and against well structured defences, that comes down to the coaching staff. I have never seen so many young, quality outside backs at Leeds in 1 time period before though and we look pretty good in that department. The forwards arent bad and if we have got Griffin then he's a good addition. Amor has been ripping it up Wakey and Amblers not been doing a bad job either. I just dont see the point in spending money on someone when in reality, the kids we have arent far off (if not as good/better) as the standard thats available. The thing about the young ones too is that they will put everything into thier game to prove themselves which sometimes you dont get with overseas signings.

We have a good group of youth which yes, probably arent ready to win anything yet, but look like they have the potential to achieve big things in the future. Why look short term and spend cash on averageness when we can develop these quality kids and add a couple of stars next year for the season after?

This is just my viewpoint and I know as fans we want things to happen immediately but we have to look at the next 5-10 years. Is signing a 30 year old OOC Aussie who's not good enough for the NRL really going to benefit us in 2 or 3 years time?'"

I agree with this in principle, and I don't feel the need to bring in a load of average players for the sake of it. I think we need another prop, and I'm happy for that to be Amor. If Griffin signs too, fair enough, provided he's not costing us too much.

Back-row we look pretty strong, although I still wonder where our game-breaker is. Pitts has some of the tools to do that, in that he's quick and looks a good athlete, but still lacks experience. Any old random signing doesn't solve that, so no to signing for signing's sake, but if top quality is available at the right price you should always be interested.

We also still look light at centre. Watkins is the real deal, and we need him to stay injury free. That leaves a gap though, and I think our other outside backs (exciting prospects as they are) are not centres. We need investment in some quality. Nobody ancient, but somebody with a bit of experience to offer some leadership to our three-quarter line would be good.

The Buderus question also still hangs. I'm not sure what's going on with McShane, but it seems like the club may not see him as the future. If Buderus stays then the current thing of resting home for 20 minute spells and using Burrow at DH works quite well, with Hood to come through. If Buderus goes and the club don't see McShane as the replacement for whatever reason, then we would need to recruit IMO.

Beyond that, we're basically OK, but as ever if top quality is available and then you can afford it, you should go with it and find room for that player. For instance, I don't think we need a half back, but if a real star were available (especially one with a top class kicking game, or just real game-changing ability) then I wouldn't rule it out. In short, I'm more than happy with McGuire and Burrow, but if Chase or Brough were to be available (hypothetical, as I don't think they are) then I'd be happy to see the club find space for them.

With another year on the youngsters and some cohesion and strategy in the side, we could certainly be doing a lot better than we are.