We need an hooker. Smith was the absolute difference last night, quality dummy half play. We had that equal with Buderus, even Diskin in the most part. Burrow is a run around showman playing for himself at times. If it works great, but more and more predictable. The forwards are crying out for someone at dummy half who can step and pass, and put doubt into the markers. Not either throw off floor or just run.

Leeds overall played some high quality rugby last night. Just one or two players were a disappointment.

High quality game won by the best side - Melbourne were - to a man - more powerful and fitter which suggests a better conditioner. Their warm up was much more intense than that of Leeds too. During the game Leeds were never in front and that reflected Melbourne's control of the game. The quality and accuracy of their short passing should be lesson to Leeds as to the importance of basics performed flawlessly. Leeds should be proud of their performance they contributed much to the game. I agree with Gotcha Burrow is no Buderus and neither is McShane.

The limited impact of Sinfield, McGuire, Burrow, JJB, Kylie and Kirke would suggest if Leeds want to remain a force they need to get the succession planning sorted and under way. Players of the quality of Achurch and Vickery are not what is required at the highest level. Unless something improves can't see either being here next season. On the positives - Kallum looked class, Ward was very impressive and if there is a better centre in SL than Ablett I haven't seen them. Pity Peacock is nearing the end of his career he was immense last night.

Cameron Smith seems to stroll through games, cool under pressure. Rather than forcing the passes, the Storm wait for our mistakes. Sinfield kept looking for the killer pass which was never on because the Storm pounced on all his options. McDermott's use of subs is still a mystery, Clarkson only gets on in the final minutes? Does he trust McShane? Achurch over Moore...please! Griffin, where u at man?. Our tactics on the 5th tackle let us down again but it happens all the time when British teams face the Aussies in big games. Anyway, we'll beat them next time.

I do sometimes wonder how some people cope in their normal day to day lives when carrying around such hatred and bitterness towards others based on which sporting team they prefer to watch.

The default, catch-all defence of their mental attitude is usually "ha-ha-ha, its banter, you don't get it", no its not, its your personality and state of mind, its broken.

Don't understand why Clarkson came on with only 9 minutes on the clock either.

All in all I think we stood up well, we can walk away from that game with our heads held high. Peacock was massive for us, Ward continues to impress, the more I see Ablett at centre the more I have to question moving him back into the pack.

I'm also missing the point of Achurch, a big lad that looks the part but not quite up to SL level yet. It might just be that he needs to settle in a bit longer but from what we've seen so far... not great.

Though Watkins did a reasonable job at FB, Delaney and JJB worked their socks off, Kylie added the grunt we need but McShane looked off the pace and Burrow will be sore from kicking himself after the bombed try. Kirk impressed in his stints but think Hall is being massively under-utilised.

The game could have gone either way and I don't think the Storm had it sewn up at any point - well done lads.

A good attempt by Leeds ,only one try away from winning.Leeds might win it next year.

Did I miss something last night? Smith wasn't even in the game. He did more with the ball in the last minute when running down time than he did all night. Most over rated player world RL.

Did you actually go to the game?

Yes, next time wake up when watching on TV. You obviously wasn't at the game.

Swap him and Burrow for both sides and Leeds would have won by a mile.

It's not about been noticed, it's what you contribute.

No mate never been to a game in my life and don't know anything about RL. Sorry for my lack of knowledge.

Noted

Totally agree with this Peacock loved the battle and Ward is going to get better and better. Achurch has found it tough so far but given more time I think (hope) he'll settle. Watkins was okay at FB but it was clear to see it's not his position.

All in all we can be proud with the performance but could certainly have won if we had taken out chances.

Smith ran that game from start to finish for Melbourne and showed the class act he is imo compare their ptb to ours and how he got them around the park compared to Burrow!

Good effort from your boys, thought a bit more composure on Melbourne's line in the last 10, and you might have nicked it. You lived with, matched and at some points, out played a very very good team. Leeds can be very proud of their performance last night.

2 main differences for me were that when they sucked defenders in and then got the ball free, they really took advantage, and used the space. When we got an arm free we either offloaded poorly, or gave itto a stationary man who got tackled.

Secondly, their defensive line speed was phenonenal. When we were on their line we just had no time to make the pass. We stood off them a bit in defence. We are just not used to that level of intensity.

Saying that, we did well to keep close especially after the start to the second half. We just couldnt get that final break.

Thoyght Ablett and Moon were great and had the beating of their opposite numbers. Peacock and Delaney were immense, and Kirke and Ward put in good shifts. Didnt see much in Achurch or vickery. Burrow goes from frustrating to brilliant in a moment. Hard to know how to use him best