I don't like a Top 8 play-off system in the NRL either. Does it reward mediocrity there also? Yes, but not anything like to the same degree as in SL. The clubs in the NRL are of a similar quality throughout - the gap between top, middle and bottom isn't nearly as huge as it is in SL and if a gap does appear one season between certain NRL clubs, it disappears usually by the next season. Therefore no team in the NRL can afford to toss it off, coast in certain games, rest players willy nilly in the knowledge that they'll still be guaranteed to finish in the Top 8 by the end of the regular rounds. I could never predict the Top 8 teams in the NRL by the end of the season - I may get 4 or 5 correct with luck. OTOH, I can predict at least 6 or 7 of the Top 8 in SL with absolute certainty.

Too modest Keith. IIRC it was the full boat - eight from eight - in 2011 for the unofficial Southstander Regular Season Table prediction comp. One of only two posters to call it before a ball was kicked.

After 30 odd appearances McShane should IMO be performing better than he is, He should have learnt a few more tricks of his trade by taking notes from 2 of best hookers to play in Superleague over the past 10 years.

The rugby played in the WCC was of the highest order...I call that a peak, we follow a team who know how to peak, as 5 Grand Finals prove. I prefer to be positive, the alternative is sad ar5e moaning just because we lose 3 League games in a row..I thought the thread was 'Nothing to worry about'...and i certainly am not worried.

I still regard both Hull-based teams as unreliable

I'm not worried about league form, because as KS says, we'll still qualify for the play-offs and our season will begin then. Its the long term viability of SL that concerns me more.

I'm not worried about league form, because as KS says, we'll still qualify for the play-offs and our season will begin then. Its the long term viability of SL that concerns me more.

I'm not worried about league form, because as KS says, we'll still qualify for the play-offs and our season will begin then. Its the long term viability of SL that concerns me more.

I don't see the reasoning behind that at all. McShane is 22, made 36 appearances with only 9 of those starting. Hooker is probably the, or at least one of the, most important positions on the field. I don't see it as unreasonable to give a young lad, that has shown potential in those 36 appearances, more time. 36 appearances is sod all really to get up to speed at hooker in the first grade. Plus there are plenty of Leeds first teamers currently underperforming.

It just seems a bit strange to write him off already.

True.

Can you see him still at Leeds in 2/3/4 years time playing regular first team?

Yes, I don't see why not. The club seem to think the same having given him the number 9 shirt and a long term contract.
I don't see why anyone would totally write off a kid at the age of 22 after limited game time.