I would still rather be in a position where should Watkins or Hardacre get injured we can put a centre in to replace them rather than a makeshift who obviously isn't going to play there long term in Ablett. Nothing wrong with him playing there as you say but it weakens the pack switching him or Delaney around. We obviously started last season with three centres in Delaney, Senior and Watkins, so I would assume we will looking to be doing the same this season, much like the two props brought in for Burgess and Cross, which meant we were two players down all last season.

Welham would be an excellent signing, Watkins hasn't won me over yet.

Welham is barely fit to lace Watkins boots. Watkins is different class, both in terms of now, and in terms of potential.

Watkins is class yes, but he's spending more time of the field than on it, when fit he would be 1st choice for me though

I said every man and his dog. Don't flatter yourself .

It might only be agent talk but it's odd that there have been no denials from HQ. I think the Rhinos made an approach 2/3 months ago before Hardaker came through and maybe Smith was part of the deal. There's a strong feeling at the Rhinos that Smith will go before next season. If that is the case we are one player down. Webb goes next year and could go before if he wants to get out at the top. Then BJB to fullback, Hardaker on the wing and there'a a space at centre.
If we are then wanting to recruit, Welham is one of the best in SL with loads of potential and would add quality to the squad.

can we afford to carry the salary for potential and maybe hinder player developement with a lack of game time or does it have the potential to buy now loan back to HKR and take him in 2013?

Pointless thread. Welham's going nowhere. Gonna have to look elsewhere.

Nah ... He's coming to Leeds ( Watkins is better but his regular fitness is still not proven ). You're getting Smith.

am sure tom briscoe wouldnt have any trouble getting a starting place in the 17

luke briscoe? time will tell i guess

I can't see any argument for signing a centre unless Watkins' injuries are likely to continue. There really isn't any evidence for that apart from the fact that he's had some bad injuries so far. I recall suggesting we get rid of JJB years ago because he had a dreadful run of injuries in his early years.

I don't have a problem with who we've already got. Ablett and Delaney being moved around doesn't worry me too much at all TBH - they and the rest of the pack have easily enough experience to cope if required.

Hardaker's move to centre was obviously planned based on the fact that he was removed from the first team to make the move. It may have been planned 'on the run', but one of the strengths of good management is how they react to changes. Hardaker's performances at the end of the year ought to have made management look again at the requirement for a new centre.

As for Smith, its up to him. I'd hope he'd be ambitious enough to want to fight back into the starting lineup at Leeds. I'd also hope that Welham has more ambition than to be first reserve centre at Leeds.

Looks like you may have too many wingers ... Wonder if Ryan Hall fancies a move and doesnt want much of a change in colours from amber and blue

I still think that a top second row with real impact is our best option. That would allow Ablett to be our prime centre, a job that he's shown he can excel in. I would still play him in the second row a fair amount This allows Watkins to play when fit (which hopefully won't be an issue), and Hardaker to get experience across the backs, playing more games than not.