The club were apparently very honest with Stevie's parents right from the outset when he was provisionally selected for the tour squad which was 3 to 4 weeks prior to the official squad being named and were told not to book any flights to Aus in order to see him play even though if released from the club he was almost a certainty for the tour

As long as Stevie was performing in the first team then he was not going to be released for the tour

Let's hope he isn't made to make room for Webb when he returns from injury.

Are you suggesting Webb should play in the forwards now.....packing down next to Hall perhaps?

Ward is the future of Leeds - he is Sinny's heir apparent and like rhinoms said, it's good to see him in the first team but I think he could have gained some valuable experience down under.

Let's hope the BMc utilises young Stevie properly and doesn't throw him in at the deep end but also doesn't neglect his undoubted talents.

Softly softly catchee monkey.

Yeah right

....His one on one tackling demands it



The scenario I was dreading was Webb replacing Ward on the bench....or worse, straight back to FB with all the other changes which will be necessary with that move.

Still....anything can happen in the meantime with other injuries.

I actually tend to agree with you.

I hope the lad's lost opportunity to experience the tour is not compounded by him being treated harshly in any future selections.

Also agree, it would be a hell of a experience going on tour down under but equally in the run up to and in a major final is also valuable experience

Didn't Dave Heron miss out on a cup final (1978?) due in part to some junior rep stuff? Personally, if I were Ward I'd definitely want to play at Wembley before a tour, as there is no gurantee Leeds/he will ever make it there again.

It would be immense for the lad if he were to score the winning try at Wembley.

Disappointing news, I never like to see a player put his club commitments before representative rugby.

Representing your country (at any age level) should be the ultimate ambition for a player.

I hope for his sake he makes the most of his potential and goes on to do so at senior level, otherwise he may rue missing out on this opportunity.

Just been on YR Stevie Ward agrees new 5yr deal!!
Great news and another great signing from the Sleeve!!

What the hell. Are people seriously trying to say that Ward would be better playing in a kids tour match than playing super league each week and a possible cup final?

All we hear on here is about dual registrering players and getting them playing with so called "men" in the championship. Surely an academy tour is just playing with the elite of the under 18's, and in no way compares to the development he will get by playing first team each week.

I for one am really pleased that the coaching team are finally having the confidence in the player and the balls to play him each week, to demonstrate what he has.