You make some good points. But I wonder if the Aussie fans thought like this when they signed the likes of Tansey/Mathers/Sibbit/Mason?

I'm as proud as anyone about the 'home-grown' aspect of the current Leeds crop - But talent is talent, whether or not it's potential or realised - and if Delaney can do a job whilst Watkins & Ratu continue to develop, that's no bad thing. It's keeping one eye on the future, as well as today.

(if he turns out to be naff - nothing ventured, nothing gained)

Also the salary cap and squad balance as i've posted above. We're at least 1 good forward light so cap money has to be spent wisely...

I agree with the lack quality in the backs in this country, but i think in seasons to come it will improve as clubs will be forced to give youth a chance when the cap bites.

I have no opinion on the signing (other than one was needed) or the player in question as he's flown under my limited NRL radar but it's interesting to read the comments of our two resident Pommie Ockers who have seen him play.

Finally someone hits the nail on the head!

There's some real dumb posts on this thread. The idea that you only sign superstar overseas players and develop the rest of the squad is all well and good but fails to take the cap into account. Just think how much of our cap is taken up by homegrown players...Sinfield, McGuire, Burrow, Diskin, JJB, Bailey, Ablett, Hall, Burgess (do I need to keep going).

External signings (whether overseas or from the the UK) have to fill gaps in the squad (with the youth system providing the bulk of the squad)- in some cases that will be as marquee player who adds match winning ability, in others it will be by offering a dependable, experienced and value-for-money player.

It's pretty clear that Delaney is in the latter category but he's young and should be a useful addition.

Whilst I dont dissagree with your general comments, your post is just as dumb.

Our CEO has constantly told us we have space on the cap for another top signing. This before the Eastwood situation. We have now lost Smith from that Cap, and reduced contracts for Donald, Kylie, Peacock and Senior.

Cap is not part of the thinking here, that is categorically clear, unless there is other signings besides this one.

The cap is never "not part of the thinking" when recruiting a player or renewing a contract

Thank you. It drives you mad some of the reaction on here..
If money was no object i'm sure McClenan would love to bring in Inglis, Hunt, Gasnier (back from RU) etc etc..... but it's not. You have to get the balance right in the squad. He sounds like a good signing to me, he also kicks goals pretty decent by all accoutns so that will be usefull if Sinny is out/off the field...

That would be my guess.

Mine as well which is why we're saying about taking the cap into account and gettin the balance right

A prop and a second rower?

remembering we have now brought in
Delaney
Coady
Pitts
Amor!!

Hopefully we'll add eastwood to that or someone of that ilk.