I’m pretty sure it will be Rob Oates from what has been said. Whilst it’s a step forward to have the role, we would ideally fill it with someone from outside the organisation so we can benefit from their ideas drawn from other experiences.

does he have the relevant scouting expertise? I have no idea

If its Oates, then its pointless imo, we need to get as far away from Rhinos DNA, and all the associated nonsense that comes with that, as possible for this role, Oates does a cracking job in his current role, let him carry on with that.

But agreed, GH's interview did seem to set the table for someone like Oates

How about Ellery Hanley?
He wouldn`t stand any nonsense and has an excellent reputation.
Got some experience on the financial side with his misdemeanours in the changing rooms whilst playing for Bradford!

Ellery is a great shout - Winston's after training lads!!

It is positive the club are separating the rugby from the commercial. Rob Oates would be a great CEO no good for this role. Hopefully they stay clear of all the older players - Ryan Hall would be the only one as he one step removed and he is currently in the game at the sharp end.

Agreed. If the intention is to just shuffle the deckchairs why go to the bother of advertising the role with all the attendent hullabaloo. It needs to be someone outside the club with both a playing/coaching and administrative background. A proven record of success would be key.

Im not sure rob oates is the right guy, lovely man really good at his job (just see all the corporate and sponsorship deals) but he’s super passionate and im not sure that’s the right qualities for this job, it needs someone whos up on the game not just the corporate/ financial side

The club have to be confident enough to risk bringing in someone with the right credentials from outside who is prepared to ruffle a few feathers. I'm not totally against the idea of retaining past players if they have something positive and competitive to offer, but ideally we need a blend of fresh ideas and perspectives alongside diehard Leeds clubmen who are connected with the local community (JJB).

Interesting that Rohan hasn’t done a presser this week nor on the squad news does it say Rohan Smith has named the 21 man squad…

That’s unusual isnt it?

Whoever gets the job, Smiths short term future looks more secure than it did before the announcement. I cant see gh sacking him now as that would be undermining the new sporting director position, before it has started. Also i cant see the new sporting director sacking the coach in his 1st few weeks

A clever ploy by GH to try to appease the supporters but this should have been done ages ago like the other big clubs..
But still a case of jam tommorow so does not change the current situation coaching or performance wise

Im not going to vilify GH regarding the timing or reasoning just yet. On the surface, its excellent news that we recognize the need for a fresh approach and new set of eyes heading the rugby department imo.

If its somebody like Blease, i will be genuinely delighted, partly because of his track record and how i think that projects to a club with all Leeds advantages, but just as importantly, because it will signal a genuine aknowlegment that what we'r doing isnt working and , while theres no guarantee's, a genuine attempt to fix it

If its Oates, JJB, JP etc...For me it signals nothing more than a different face to take the flak while nothing much changes.

Over to you GH

Surely it has to be someone from outside the club with a very good understanding of rugby league ie an ex player or coach,preferably both.

You would hope so, but the piece about the process is expected to close within early June, so 7-10 days from now, means they must already know who it is.

Let's hope they have already targeted someone from outside the club.If it was to be Rob Oats I'm not sure what would change .We know he knows about the commercial side but does he enough about the rugby side of things.