Ball playing loose? Is there such a thing anymore? Loose in modern game is a third prop. As I've said before he shouldn't be used in the middle of the park so should be playing as a wide 2nd rower defending inside Watkins who be defending inside Tui who couldn't tackle me.

We won umpteen trophies with a ball playing 13 just because others are using the 13 as an extra prop doesnt mean everyone should follow suit.
Either way he's been woefully mis-used since his 1st team debut.

Nearly all of the championship wins kev played at 6. He didn't play at 13 after 2010.

13 is an extra middleman these days. Some have better hands but they are basically a prop nowadays

Anybody would think other players don't get injured. Flanders over rated career has been full of missing large chunks of seasons, and playing a similar role.

Say what?

Its a sad situation, the lad has the ability to be a class player, in fact he is quality, however there is something that is quiet not right, he is either the unluckiest player who continues to pick up injuries or there is something in the Headingley camp that is not being done right. Maybe the lad is too eager to put his hand up and agree to be the battering ram of a player, but if this is the case you would expect someone to have a quiet word in his ear. Maybe he is not cut out to be a forward. Either way his health and well being must come first and Leeds has a duty of care to put the players health first and look after him. Unfortunately not all players can have a career to age 35 and some have to call it a day much sooner. I only hope that he gets the best medical treatment and best advice for him personally if this means retirement at an early age then so be it

Ward has had knee surgery, and will be out for 14 weeks.

That's awful news, I really feel for Stevie. It's a shame that some of his teammates are unable to show the same commitment to defence and fearlessness out on the paddock. I hope he makes a swift return and is able to play out the rest of the season.

I know some posters on southstander want the club to make a decision on Stevie and cut our losses, but at this stage I think he has to be treated just like any other squad member, at least until the end of his current contract - if a decision needs to be made that's up to Stevie IMO. In the longer-term the club have to try and do what's best for the player's wellbeing as well as the interests of the club. If Ward still wants to play and there are no long-term consequences of the injuries he's suffered he should be given that chance IMO, but I'd also hope the coaching team consider using him in a way that is less likely to incur some of the attritional injuries he's sustained in recent years.

Pay him off and get him off the payroll. He's had his chances but his body isn't up to the pressure of a modern rugby league forward. Put the money to better use. Even the best race horses have lead put into their ear.

He should be given the chance to return, agreed, though I'm not sure how realistic a different role might be. The years where he should have been developing, honing his timing and passing, judging angles to run etc,. are now gone.

Agree.

He comes across as a really nice guy and has a lot of passion and determination, however any professional sportsman with this many injuries must seriously consider retiring for the sake of the physical well-being. Would like to see him find a job in rugby that doesn’t destroy him every game!

It has to be the end of him for me, shame for him but 14 weeks out and even if he playes all the remaining games thats like 50% of the season out injured thats 2 years in a row and 3 of the last 4 thats just not acceptable.
Pay him up untill end of season and say sorry bye.

He’s 25 he could have 10 more years in the game, if Ward wants to call it a day then its up to him but calls for getting rid of a contracted player because of an injury is pretty harsh IMO

It’s more than harsh, it’s disrespectful. Ward has had lots of issues, but so did JJB and Ablett in their younger years. With a more appropriate role to his skills and size there’s no reason to think he wouldn’t be a great asset.

Stevie Ward is exactly the kind of person we need in and around this squad.