That's the key.

Ideally I would like to see a team that was born and bred in Leeds, who have all come through the Academy, who will play for the honour and almost die for the club with a maximum of 3 exceptionally talented antipodeans that bring a bit of colour.

That said it's not the world we are living in just yet so I would like to see Leeds (in the meantime) put out a team that doesn't need to rely on a (just) 18 year old when the 32 year old is unavailable.

By rotating the positions your colourful antipodeans occupy over several seasons on two and three year contracts, allowing the youngsters time to develop and learn their trade. We're well into the process already, it's not like we're starting from scratch. Just occassionally a problem appears that needs solving. Failing to solve it is a problem.



None of them were coming for life. They were the colourful antipodeans that will still have contributed to the club during their stays both on and off the field. Clyde for example was an out and out Champion, how could a club not benefit from having him around?



Last year they thought it might be Anselme. They were right to identify the problem (caused by long term injuries) but failed to find the right option. When they realised it was no better than what they had already he didn't feature again.

Gilmour is a good example of a player capable of playing both positions but perhaps it highlights the dearth of quality available out there, when St Helens also claim to be operating with cap space to spare.

In Saints case it has nothing to do with the lack of quality available - they'd have to break the statutory minimum wage to employ an extra player with their remaining cap space

I guess that what rhinos are doing too. At the moment the only team who are good enough to really exploit our weakness to the full are St helens, and they are in trhe same boat.

If the options we have at the club do not bear fruition, then I would expect the club to move for someone who becomes available mid-season.

You see this is where following on from yesterday, I am in agreement with Gareths view.

If they become available mid season, that means they are not wanted elsewhere. That should not be the quality we are looking for. Granted there is exceptions, but I would expect the lack of quality centres in the game, might not mean on this occasion.

If it is deemed we need someone, I see no reason in going out for someone identified as a big improvement on what we have. Hence, why I see no problem in paying Transfer fees if appropriate.

Without having to read the rest of your post I feel vindicated already.

You should of joined in. It would have been fun to see how quickly G1 jumped ship.

3/4 of the way through the Bulldogs v Manly game today the Aussie commentators when talking about the 8/9 players that the Bulldogs have already brought in for 2009 were saying that it is almost a done deal that Eastwood will be signing for the Bulldogs in the next 2/3 weeks

I don't really see the point in rushing out to buy someone. We have won 5 from 5 so far and the squad certainly has enough depth. If we do sign someone though I hope it's a british player rather than an Aussie.

would agree with you there Sibbs, but who is there thats british out there that is able to sign? i wouldnt mind seeing us use the money to extend a few contracts that run out this season. Then look into signing someone else.