Gale will be exposed for the mediocre half back he really is when/if he gets to play against some decent opposition in the World Cup.

Hoping for an improvement from last autumns series, but he is in the top 2 HB options available to England

The only reasons I could see Leeds releasing the statement is to inform supporters that they had tried their best to retain a big talent or to act as a tactic to push Walker into signing a contract for Leeds.

I have nothing against Golding: he tries really hard and he is good defensively and I would be willing to give him this season and next season to prove himself but until he improves his attack then he is just an average SL player.

Walker is 17, by the time Golding's contract expires he will still only be 21.

These are the words said by Leeds Rhinos. [i“We offered Jack a full-time contract two months ago when he completed his studies at Leeds City College. We revisited it again last week because the lack of a commitment from Jack was becoming an issue within the squad and also affecting our planning for the future.

“This is obviously disappointing for us and unusual too as I cannot think of any other player to turn down a promotion to the Rhinos first-team squad from our Academy during my time at the club. Several of our senior players have spoken with Jack and I have personally met with him, his girlfriend and family to discuss the matter.”

“However, Jack has made it clear that he wishes to only be considered for one position and has requested assurances that are never given to any player, irrespective of age and ability”, [/i Gary Heatherington

[i“As a club we have a proud record for over 20 years of developing and rewarding our young talented players.

“So much of our club is built on the foundation nurtured through our academy. We recently announced that two such players, Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow, will bring down the curtain on their Rhinos careers after 15 glorious years. The nature of our sport has meant that some players have also left the club during that period to seek better terms for themselves at other clubs whether that is a starting position or financial reward. Clearly on each occasion that has been disappointing but has enabled us to reward those who want to take the club forward and be successful at the Rhinos.”[/i Brian McDermott.

Your hypothetical statement is pretty much a paraphrasing of what the club actually said. I can't see a meaningful difference between what the club said and what you think they should have said.

Don't we tend use ex pats or players with an England heritage playing in Australia rather than anyone plying their trade in Super League these days?

Are you suggesting he waits 4 years so that potentially an opportunity might arise - seriously?

McDermott's press conference pre-Wigan was impressive IMO. Tellingly, he said when he became coach GH said to him don't worry about trying to bring academy players through in equal numbers across positions- don't worry if you get 5 half backs - just sign good players. It was a pretty clear message to walker/Golding that they will find a spot if they are good enough. It's not Golding v walker. At moment I reckon Liam Sutcliffe is a better FB shout.

As many others have said golding's defence has been good but in attack he seems to be still adjusting to the pace of super league. He has shown class in the past at international level, I remember James Graham raving about him v Aussies.

It's in there. Getting that first try might just get him going.

Some of the talk on here is disrespectful to Ash Golding
IMO Ash Golding has still got plenty of improvement to come in his game, especially in attack so lets not write the guy off yet guys

I would love Walker to stay at the club and I'm sure that if he did that there would be a place for both just as there always has been for players competing for similar positions like Sinny, Magsy and Burrow

We also had Webb and Zak in the same side together despite both being out and out FB's

not the point, if he was good enough he would soon claim the spot, i find i hard to believe you and gotcha are leeds fans, do the decent thing like william and foxtrot oscar

Perhaps he's intimating that Walker could stay and fight for the shirt like a professional should.

No, im saying that as of right now, When Walker is 21, we dont have a fullback signed up. If Walker is good enough, over the next 4 years, whilst he is learning and developing, he can take the No.1 shirt.

Walkers argument rests on three points,
1) That Goldings contract blocks his progression for a significant portion of his career. It doesnt. When Goldings Contract expires Walker will still be a young fullback. Walker will be 21 when Goldings contract expires. At 21 Sam Tomkins wore the number 6 and Zak Hardaker no. 4.
2) That having another fullback on the books means Walker wont get the first team games, which is ludicrous because no side worth playing for are going to go into a season with a 17/18/19/20 year old fullback and no decent. competent cover.
3) that playing in other positions will be a negative to his development as a fullback, which is also ludicrous when we consider the overlap of skills, the transferable skills, between half and fullback, not to mention the value of a fullback able to operate as a third pivot.

Bet your wife hates you.......talking sense and all that.

I would say 4 years out of 15 is a big chunk of your career

Leeds had Golding who else was the cover and don't say Sutcliffe? There has to be reason Leeds have given Golding a five year contract and the number 1 shirt and that cannot be ignored. As I have said the club would be serious egg on their face if they suddenly said Walker your now our FB - also that would be grossly unfair on Golding.

I would agree with the last point - maybe he just doesn't want to be shoe horned into a position that suits the club and not him?