Not unreasonable prospective signings if true. Perhaps McDermott should have then considered his position if he didn't feel he had the support of his CEO to strengthen the squad.

An ultimatum from a position of strength (Leeds' only treble winning coach) may have got the purse strings shifting.

Whatever may have been happening behind the scenes the result is there for all to see.

Maybe he did



At the time Aiton's departure was confirmed he hadn't won a treble. Could've ended the season trophyless or a repeat of how 2014 went after the CC.

Point taken re 'the only Leeds treble winning coach' at the point of recruitment - although I obviously knew it was going to happen and chose to keep a low profile. If McDermott wasn't happy with his prospective 2016 squad at any point post Easter 2015 he needed to fight harder for what he wanted and expect the CEO to back his judgement. If his requirements were reasonable (Houghton) but were still knocked back he could and should have called the CEO's bluff and walked if necessary. I haven't included Westerman here as Ferres is equally as good if not better albeit fortunate that he became available.

It's not often I criticise Hetherington, and I understand the point and value of the wage structure and not "overpaying" for players, but we needed one of Houghton or Clark. Westerman I'd have liked too but, especially with Ferres becoming available, not so important as a decent hooker. Aiton proved how valuable a proper hooker is. Although ironically if we'd still got Aiton he'd have been out injured anyway.

Erm......but the above players werent available. If they had of being they would have been top of McD's list and as we now know (without any proof) GH is going out of his way to block any players McD wants......

All i know is McD and Hetherington looked to be getting on well together at Cas on Sat watching the 19s. Sat on the terracing behind the posts with Hetherington's mummy. This imaginary rift looks like a bit of jackanory but would love to see the evidence.

But again the above is just rumour and speculation, apology if you find it offensive but the amount of garbage spouted about Breirley I can't take the above names seriously.

I tend to agree with printers viewpoint regarding Faloon but the point being made was non of us actually know if that's the case.

Well said Ferdy.

Who said anything about blocking players McDermott wants or a rift, you're exaggerating what's been said. Simply pointed out that GH didn't make sure our previous starting hooker stayed or make sure we got a good strong replacement.

You said McDermott wanted an experienced 6 and 9 - so how has that suddenly become just a 9 - perhaps because you have been taken to task - so you are starting to wriggle - now there is a surprise

I don't take it as a gimme that if a player gets injured playing for one club that it would've happened if he was at another club.

Would Shenton pick up a season ending injury on the opening week if he wasn't playing vs HKR and been on the end of that particular tackle?

If Ablett was playing for another club and not playing on Widnes' plastic pitch 2nd week would he have still hurt his ankle?

Not sure what Aiton's latest injury is but the pectoral injury he picked up about 15 mins into the season opener isn't a gimme that he'd have been injured 15 mins into our season opener. Maybe he'd have picked up something else at a different time though I accept.

Printer i think we are all in agreement that Falloon isnt the number 9 to go into next year with but the reality is both McD and GH will have agreed the deal and both will have done their homework on him. Just because the signing hasnt worked out, like many dont at all clubs, doesnt mean that it was a panic buy.

You claim it wasnt McD's choice but it was kind of forced on him by GH because he did nothing about signing a 9 until only Falloon was available but there is no evidence of this. How do we know GH didnt want him and McD didnt push for it with GH accepting it on a 1 yr deal only??The truth is none of us have a scooby so no point making things up about it.

I believe both hoped Falloon would work out given his NRL experience but as we all agree it hasnt. Isnt the 1st and wont be the last.

Falloon was one of the group of Titans more interested in partying than playing and Leeds signed him soon after he was effectively released. I wouldn't have gone near him except in desperation because of his attitude and the fact he was nondescript in one of the weakest NRL sides. I expect GH would probably admit the same given the timing of his signing and the fact he was only given one year.

Agreed. Thank goodness they didn't give him a 4 year like Achurch.

I can see why they went for Achurch. He was young, wouldn't count on the Overseas Quota, big, quick and got an offload.
Unfortunately he hasn't improved over the 4 years and hasn't developed any aggression either.