This.

Also, if Hardaker is seen as a 6 long-term, then while I have no problem with him staying on the wing for now, I think it would be wise to give him at least some spells in matches there from an early stage.

Smith is a talented player but has, IMO, suffered for not really finding a position to hold his own. For my money that position should be full back, but now the competition from BJB might make that tricky even once Webb goes.

He's elusive, a good finisher, deceptively powerful and has a decent reading of the game. The ingredients for a good centre are there, but if he's going to make that transition he needs to play there for a number of weeks.

Why do you say this?

Where have his game's been at Leeds and Fev?

Anything come to light (Re Hardaker's preferred playing position) since the last time this was discussed? viewtopic.php?f=17&t=494815&start=75

Anything come to light (Re Hardaker's preferred playing position) since the last time this was discussed? viewtopic.php?f=17&t=494815&start=75

He was a 6 in Junior rugby, and I take your Cummins analogy. The kid can play 6, but isn't ready yet to do so in a team like Leeds where there is so much expectation. Daryl Powell played him on the wing (and fullback which most teams play like 6) at Fev to introduce him gently. You do know how many games he played for Fev before he signed for Leeds don't you?

Watch him play, the vision he has, pace, sidestep. With time and maturity he could play 6 for Leeds. Comfortably.

Agree with the above and I also think senior will be around next year. Weather we agree or not I can see him getting offered a 1 yr deal.

not to sure senior will be around next year lad i work with plays for a team in
fartown that senior coached last year and word is he's looking for a new club
would think if he stopped it wont be at maybe filling in at secondrow
i also think its time we started working to the future and i think we can all agree
senior might have 1 season max left and how long will the young players hang around playing bit parts till they get full first team rugby when there all fit

From what I've heard if Senior gets a 1 year contract offer from the Rhinos it will not be as a centre but to play in the second row. He might refuse and move on. There are strong rumours of a new centre to be signed but no names! This will add experience and competition to our back-line.

Don't get me wrong, I like what I've seen.

I'm not sure his future is even at full back with Leeds yet, with BJB around, let alone 6.

That said he has shown the attributes you mentioned and he finishes in the corner like a class winger.

Bats, you are spot on with this debate. Interestingly I was sat speaking with a few of the academy lads at Sundays game, and a couple of them commented that Hardaker had "Stand off" written all over him.

His play and footwork is very much a number 6. Nothing wrong with learning on the wing until the time comes, and would also question whether nor not he has a kicking game, don't know if anyone knows?

Jason Robinson was a scrum half you know.

...and Karl Pratt was a Stand Off

& Jimmy Lowes was a scrum half too

..... And Harvey Howard was a winger. Hardaker for prop?

For me I wouldn't particulary want to see senior I the centre next year and i think we have enough cover already in Sr but I think he might still be here next year.