Back to the drawing board

Hopefully we don't rush in to sign anyone who's off contract to replace Merrin. That's how teams end up with imbalanced (and rubbish) squads. I'd rather leave that spot open to 2020 if we can't sign real quality. We really don't want another Galloway/Peteru IMO.

Two things re Merrin - firstly we probably dodged a bullet as he clearly didn't want to leave, and secondly, it should be an eye-opener for Furner about how difficult it will be to attract anybody close to 'world class' from the NRL>

Agreed, I think there's no where near as much jeopardy next season with regards to relegation, personally rather than rushing a signing I would rather let the new coaching set up assess what is needed long term, this squad may surprise a few people when playing with new structures and systems, which is basically what Furner said in the press conference.

New structures and systems would need to be very effective to negate a brittle pack. Not that's what we'll necessarily end up with although my concern is increasing.

It's difficult when none of us know what's really going on behind the scenes. To some extent, if Ferres and Ward are fit, they need to be the second row. Cameron Smith is a natural loose forward once he puts a bit of size on.
Most of us seem to think the pack is the biggest problem (especially with Lolohea, Hurrell and McClelland coming in). I honestly think Kev gets this, and Furner gets this. But if we have to wait another year to get the right personnel, rather that than costly mistakes which use up precious resources and/or adversely effect the new culture they're trying to instil.

Maybe we need to take our medicine for another season while the youth development comes through - I think we're paying the price now for something not going right there from a few years ago. Handley and Sutcliffe are the only notable ones to come through for some time. Lots of other lads just not up to standard unfortunately.
The crop beginning with Walker, Smith, Newman and Oledzki looks more promising I think.

We've already had a significant turnover (massive by comparison to recent years under McD actually). But thinking about the next year, I reckon: Parcell (if he's here), Golding (same), Dwyer, Ferres, Ward, JJB, Ablett, Sutcliffe and Handley are all either in their final year of playing, final year of contract, or are in last chance saloon to prove they can do it at Leeds. A few other squad members such as Mullally too.
Whilst I'd expect a few more changes before we kick a ball again in anger in February, next season could be almost as disruptive with player movement as this.

All of Ferres, JJB, Ablett + Sutcliffe won't, or certainly shouldn't, be at the club after 2019

Hasn't Ablett signed a two year extension?

Is the pack really a huge issue though? As of right now we have;
Parcel and Dwyer as hookers. Happy with both and they both have different attributes.
Garbutt, singleton, petru, cuthbo, Crosby, mullally, olejdski as props. Sure another big prop would be great but if Furner can get these guys firing then they can set a platform.

There were holes all over the shop last season and now we should have a decent half back pairing so myler isn't having to do everything and two strike centres we should be better.

Last season was not just poor because of the front row.

Reports seem to be that our only real metre-making prop, Garbutt, is going - and we looked a much worse side when he was off the field this year IMO. For me I'm happy with the back row within reason, IF Ward can stay fit and Ferres produce something and get match fit (two big IFs). Parcell and Dwyer are both primarily running hookers, which works when you're on the front foot and facing disorganised defences. So personally I'd probably go for 2x props if Garbutt goes, both to start ahead of Crosby and Singleton, with Oledzki and Holroyd coming through in the next year or two and as cover for injuries this season (they'll get plenty of game time).

I do agree it wasn't our only problem: it's just I think we've gone a long way to fixing the other bits already as you say, with 2x strike centres and Tui/McClelland to partner Myler. And, I can't stand having a soft/busted pack in principle.

For me you can’t afford to give up on any season if you’re a club like Leeds, despite the rebuild. We do still have some very good players. If we add two really high quality forwards for 2019, with the Furner effect I would expect us to be there or thereabouts.

If we add two real quality forwards, (I'd prefer two props + use Peters in the back row) we will win the GF again

We'd certainly look handy. Agree re. Peteru. Two really good props to get us forward and give us some whack in defence again, I think that side has potential suddenly. Even Handley on the wing could go well if he'll take a high ball and defend.