I think the most impressive newcomer to the team last season would have to be Hardaker for raw talent. His impact especially in the playoffs was phenomenal, if i was picking a player to watch out for next season it would definitely be Zak. He's at the age where he's still bulking up so if anything he should be more of a handful for the opposition next season with a bit more muscle about him. As stated previously Kallum Watkins showed great promise in what was an injury hit season, he could also be one to watch if he stays injury free as he's grown into a man over the last year or so from a skinny kid with potential. Not sure about Mcshane yet, let's hope with gametime he grows into the player we're hoping he'll be. What's he gonna be like for mobility and stamina ?, only time will tell. He seems to have slimmed down a bit from the lad that burst onto the scene, i suppose in the modern game that can only help him. One thing's for sure, I can't wait to find out how they're all gonna do. Roll on February.

I think Ben Jones Bishop deserves a mention - can't wait to see him cement his wing spot. I'm also looking forward to seeing Watkins and Hardaker in the centres, both special talents!

You liked Cross though...easily pleased

Hardaker is the one to watch in 2012 (esp when he is moved to stand off)

Hopefully Mcshane and Burrow and in the long run Hood will give us the kind of dynamic saints enjoyed for so many years with cunningham and roby.

Less of a person more of a t5hing but how the whole back line develops, especially defensively.

I think Bailey will have another stormer, coming in injury free and bitterly dissapointed not to get a chance for England, he'll want another call up. He's also set to be Peacocks successor in this team IMO

Interesting interview with McDermott in the league weekly this week. Intimating that burrow could continue on in the role he is currently playing and all seems fairly positive.
Also special mention in there for Lee smith who is impressing in pre season. Alludes to a meeting last year where things were said and maybe smiths head wasn't in the right place something along the lines of he has won it all but needs to train and have the hunger of a new player who has won nothing. Things seem to have changed and now impressed with his attitude. " think he would play prop now if we asked him to".
Seems he might have had his head up his back side last season but has at least come back with the right frame of mind.

2012 is a very big year for some Rhinos players to make a name for themselves

IMO the Hooking role is the major concern this coming season, and McShane as heir apparent is stepping into the biggest shoes to fill bracket of the lot, I hope he gets an extended shot in the side to prove he has what it takes to guide us around the paddock, and for years to come too.

As i have previously posted, I can imagine that if the Rhinos make a final or a big play-off game and they put their strongest 17 out, then possibly McShane could still be omitted from the match day side if he is not as commanding in his role as other potential suitors

Looking at how Brian Mac sees things, i envisage that Rob Burrow could be again utilized in this role when the big games come around

I'm still a big fan of Liam Hood and if Macca doesn't make the 9 shirt his own, then this kid could eventually gazump him

I'm not too concerned about how many SL games Stevie Ward actually gets this season as i still believe that he will have a very long and successful career at the club, he is without doubt the best academy player that i have seen in the last 10 years and throughout all clubs too

Zac has absolutely everything going for him, he can be anything he wants in this game, he does look like a Rolls Royce player to me and one who can play in almost any back position on the field and with equal effect too

And wasnt he chuffed to get a SL ring when he thought he would still be with Fev

A fantastic end to his first SL season

how many apps has he had up to now ?cant be many,but I am very excited about him

After the GF I think Mr Burrow will have a great season.
As for the rookies, I think they all have potential but I think McShane will come to be a great No9 (I refuse to call them hookers out of respect to the great hookers I grew up with when it was a real skill).

Re Lee Smith, am I correct in thinking that when Tony Smith coached the international squad he used Smith as an impact hooker or at least dummy half off the bench?
Or was it Cullen when he coached England under Smith (Tony not Lee)?

Smith's last appearance at international level was at right centre IIRC against Australia at Wigan.

Can't remember him being used in the dummy half role at that level.

Ashley Gibson was used as a dummy half off the bench IIRC when he played for England in the European Championships - when England was the second tier national side.

I hope Smith sorts his attitude out because he deffinately has the talent. Also means that our back line, baring Possible injuries to Watkins, should be set for the next 4 or 5 years.

As for Clarkson, I'm a fan of his and his work rate is awesome, but I think he moved away from a few of the things he did well in his rookie year last season. What really impressed me in his first year was the lines he picked and the holes he hit. Last year he seemed to move away from that and wasn't too effective with ball in hand. For a guy of his size he really needs to get back to that 1st season gap running style.

The person I'm most looking forward to seeing though is Zak Hardaker. By far the best young talent I have seen at Headingley in the 17 years I have been watching Leeds. If he continues his development he will be a star for years to come. Well worth the reported 100k fee too if you ask me.

One to watch? Aside from the ones who have been to watch for many years, who I wouldn't want to forget....

Hardaker finished last season really well, and if he kicks on he could be one to get excited about. Likewise Kallum Watkins if he can get injury free. I think his biggest problem when he does play is a touch of inexperience, and a good run in the side would go a long way to iron that out. Elsewhere in the backline, BJB also needs a bit of fine-tuning but is an exciting prospect.

On the subject of Stevie Ward, I haven't seen any academy games for a while, but the news is that he's got all the makings of a big star. My only advice would be, as is the case with any promising youngster, that you bring them into the team at a rate that suits their own physical development. It isn't purely an age thing, so you can't just say "so and so played 72 matches a year when he was 9" or similar. Young players mature physically at different ages. If he's ready, give him a run, if he needs to be brought on slowly, let's not panic. If he's going to be a super star he'll be around for a lot of years, there's no rush.