I did give him credit last year, I thought the achievement of winning that was greater than anything he had done previously, as I don't think the resources were the same he previously had. So coming through that, despite the competition been at a lower standard, I could at least say he had managed that situation well. The fact still remains though, he was carried through by a guy playing his last game for Leeds who put in a performance he hadn’t done for a few years, and most important we didn’t play Saints in the final. Saints were on the up, and but for goalkicking losing the semi, they would have won the GF last year. But despite that, I still think finishing second in the league last year, was an achievement I didn’t think McDermott or the team had in it.

I think last year was McDermotts biggest achievement as well, and I think winning from 5th was a fantastic achievement and I put that down to McDermott more so than the players (I think the players themselves said similar). I think 2015 is one year I would put solely down to the players, with 3 legends of the club leaving I think they simply wanted to win everything at all costs.


Again you cannot use conjecture as fact, Saints may have been on the up but history tells a different story regarding Saints and us in Finals

I am in little doubt he will be judged a great coach eventually. He is till relatively young, but since he returned to the game he has had success year on year. It is a very good point you raise about previous Cas coaches; the team c1992 under DVDV had far more natural talent at its disposal in Nikau, Kemp, Blackmore, Crooks, Sampson, Ford, St John Ellis but, despite its Regal Trophy, was far less consistent.

The problem with that is people like Gotcha keep telling us that the competition is getting weaker and weaker each year, maybe thats why Cas have been able to rise u the table? I'm not saying thats the case by the way.

I am actually saying that is the case. But I am not saying that is a detriment to Powell. At the end of the day Cas have still gone forward as a club, but more importantly it is what you are doing with the resources available.

To be fair Gotcha, I actually agree with you regarding Cas, Powell has done a magnificent job, Anderson seemed to be doing similar at the Giants but seemed to go backwards quickly.

Cas need to get a stadium sorted soon IMO, they have all the ingredients to be a well run modern Rugby League club, they have the support base, the history and are playing good rugby. Their fans got a bit giddy and arrogant last year but who can blame them!

Fake news. Not on here they didn't.

I was talking to someone on Friday night who is involved with the Cas 'project'. He reckons it is back on again. I'm not holding my breath.

Peacock was an established international back row forward at Bradford - not sure how he gets any better when he joins Leeds.

You said he had peaked (which means he got worse at leeds) and you said he should be pensioned of in 2011, just admit you were wrong.

He changed his role and became an established international front row. He wasn't any less of a player, or as you put it past his best.

he was just as good and influential albeit in a different role. past his best David? no chance sorry pal

Agree 100%, turning cas around from where they were when he got there, to where they are now, absolutely fantastic job.

Right now given that we've zero chance of winning the competition, which side would you rather watch - Cas who have weaknesses but also at times have easily the best ball movement in SL, or Leeds, who have weaknesses and are just dullsville?

I agree with Gotcha on two things about this year. Firstly, the game is not all about trophies, and secondly, which I find harder that people don't seem to want to credit, entertainment is important. For most sports fans its about the entertainment value and watching their team compete. If we're winning trophies you can justify dull play, but if dull play is also losing play, what then?

As an aside given our injuries in the props playing one-man rugby is probably about the most stupid way to play I can think of.

Id rather watch Leeds, I'm a Leeds supporter. I was rather glad I supported Leeds in October last year and not Castleford, there was a lot of satisfaction as a supporter to watch a team that was in the sh@t the year before to quietly go about their business and turn up when it mattered, Castleford may have learned a massive lesson last year who knows.

You are talking as if they are purposely going out to be dull, we are going through a tough patch with Injuries high and confidence low this happens and in a physical sport like RL losing the big men upfront for a lot of the season will take its toll. I am still entertained, as a sports fan going through the tough times is part of the deal. We do need to recruit for next year, theres no doubt our pack needs some revisions and yes maybe it is time for a change of coach, but I don't want that to be a rash decision and one that is handled well and the transition a planned one.