If you are modelling clothing you need particular types to do that - Joel Moon, Ryan Hall, Kallum Watkins - you get the drift?

Clothing in general I'd agree but not necessarily a rugby shirt. Whilst I'm no expert in marketing I'd imagine that the potential buyers of the shirt are not going to be swayed by who is modelling it. If that was the case why use players and not get some professional model for the launch?

Exactly, sensitive souls these people. There is no arguing his loyalty and stature. Just a ridiculous model to use for promoting and trying to sell.

If this wasn't Leeds, and the same posters saw this similar sort of model elsewhere, the view would be completely different from all of them.

Chuff me! When does the season start?

There needs to be connection between the product and the customer using something recognisable i.e. a player makes that connection. If you have the best looking player in your kit it enhances the perception of the product.

What, you don't think a Leeds lad who has...

Played his entire career at his local club
Battled back from serious injuries as a young player
Become one of the most interesting players in the game to listen to
Remained heavily involved in the local amateur game

...is someone that fans can "connect" with?

There isn't a player at the club (with the possible exception of Ryan Hall) who Leeds fans could identify with more than JJB. Frankly the club need to have him as heavily involved in their media and publicity work as they can.

Not being a classically good looking lad hasn't stopped the likes of Eorl Crabtree or Jamie Peacock from getting more involved in media work, and neither should it.

We are talking about modelling not media its different, this is just a snap shot into an aspirational theme, why else would anyone buy a rugby shirt?

It is no wonder RL struggles for recognition and sponsor attachment - if you had a serious brand who would you rather have promoting it JJB or Ryan Hall? seriously

Who do you think the club are marketing the shirt to?

Serious question. Why don't the club go out and get Channing Tatum or Bradley Cooper to model it if they want to reach the widest possible market?

As has been said who better to model the new kit, Leeds born and proud, perfect clubman for Leeds and Stanningley. Not all Rugby players are pretty boys, Maybe we should have signed Jamie Foster JUST for the photo shoot. Would you be happy man then Sal......

He/She never seems to be happy with anything

That may well be true, but there is not many that look as bad as JJB. It reminds me of that Simon the Ogre advert. Appeal to all your market., that should be the first rule.

Did Man U ever use Gary Neville to model their kits? Did Newcastle use Peter Beardsley?

But surely a rugby shirt is different to a "serious brand'. In that case, yes Ryan Hall may be more appropriate than JJB. However, a rugby shirt is unlikely to appeal to anyone other than current supporters. I doubt seeing Ryan Hall modelling the shirt over JJB would be likely to make anybody decide to support Leeds / attend a game.

In the case of the case of a new shirt you want someone easily associated with the club, I'd argue that JJB's "unique' look helps in this. The same way Huddersfield often use Earl Crabtree in their promotional shots.

He may not be the prettiest player in the squad, hell the beard helps a lot but he is Leeds through and through and I think honest Leeds fans will see that.

I double dare you to go up to Stanningley nxt Saturday and repeat what you said above to the mans face!!!

Im not the best looking bloke in the world , but you wouldn't know because im sat behind a keyboard just like you

HTH

Ok we get it - JJB aint no looker. The only people buying this shirt will be Leeds fans. Leeds fans know and respect JJB which is probably why he's been used to model it and, TBH most wont give a flying fook whose modeling it so back on topic.

I really like this one, - one of the best replica shirts in some time (both this season's and last's training shirts will take some beating imo).

I suspect that I'll be giving this shirt more outings than the, frankly boring, home shirt this year.