Delaney was a first team regular when we signed him. The problem is not giving cheaper players a go, its signing too many of them and giving them too long contracts.

Adding to our problems is too many players who've won things being asked to step up to lead when they're not up to it, presumably because everyone thought they were better than they actually are.

Delaney worked because he was actually pretty skilful, but also just such a tough competitor. He had reasonable pace, in the early years, for a second row and the transition worked.

To be fair he's just about the only example I can think of where we've successfully changed position of an overseas signing, and centre / second row isn't the biggest gulf in the world.

If we can rebuild a pack around Merrin, and if he stays long enough, I think he'll go really well for us - because he's another tough nut with a high level of skill. Hurrell frustrates the life out of me sometimes but he's worth it for pure entertainment value.

I could be wrong but don't think Albert will be more than an interim signing to help this season, although he's young enough to show some improvement I guess. So for next year we're still lacking: prop, second row, half back, winger. And I mean, really good ones not squad maybes. We need players good enough to produce a bit of magic in all those positions and turn a game.

If we are going to be beating St Helens or Warrington in the foreseeable future, we have to start building a squad better than theirs, it's pretty simple. If any new signing doesn't add that kind of value, what is the point? To be fair, I am sure Sinfield is scouring the landscape for good signings for 2020 and working extremely hard on this, in some cases against the tide because of the financial problems recruiting from Oz, and because we don't look a particularly enticing prospect for good players looking to win silverware right now.

I'd say what we do lack are players who can produce that super effort in attack or defence to lift the side, that's what it boils down to. To be honest, we've missed that in the pack ever since Peacock left - there were many games in the good old days where he would singlehandedly lift the side with the extra carry or the big defensive hit, where other players were gassed.

With the long contracts, let's be honest it's not uncommon for a contract to be ended early. If someone came in for Merrin from the NRL seriously and paid us a lump of compo, and the player wanted gone, that 4 year deal is torn up. Same for a player who is out of favour; if they want a career they can't just sit back, take the wage and not play. It's in their best interests to move to a club that wants them; it just might cost Leeds a penalty in a financial settlement.

There is a lesson here with Golding I have to say: we do want to develop our own talent of course, but if a player fundamentally lacks outstanding toughness, outstanding pace, outstanding skill and/or outstanding size, I don't think they're going to make it at a top-4 SL side. It is extremely hard to judge the future development of players but the raw ingredients must be there.

McKenna made the same move as Delaney.

There's a big difference between Merrin and Golding. Merrin would get offers from the NRL today. Apart from lower championship teams who'd look at Golding? Even more importantly who would want him enough to buy out his contract?

I liked McKenna too, good player.

I suppose if Golding really wanted to play in reserves or DR for the next couple of years he could, and Leeds would have to honour the contract. He isn't without ability and he does have a great attitude, I just can't see how he comes back into the Leeds side with Walker here and still more coming through now (arguably of a higher quality than we've seen for years).

I do think there would be a Championship side interested in him in due course, it's just a case of salary there versus what he's on now, and whether that gives him a route to career development and putting himself in the shop window again.

Leeds don't have too much to lose by keeping Golding around - one other difference between him and Merrin is probably around 10x salary. Lolohea is more of an issue if we're not playing him.

Golding will probably end up at Cas.

Just the fact that SL clubs don’t seem to be ringing the phone hot tells us something...

Golding is a Leeds lad and wanted to stay and fight for a place. He will be a decent Super League full back wherever he ends up.

Maybe a move to Wakey for Golding as cover for Johnstone? Not sure he'd want to be stuck out on the wing but the offer of more chance of game time might be one he can't turn down.

I believe Goldings on a very decent contract and that is itself the problem. No other club is willing to offer him anything close to it and he's playing hardball with Leeds, willing to play out the remainder of the contract at Fev or wherever. You cant blame the lad.

Not at all. If he really doesn't figure then it might be worth the club subsidising his contract elsewhere, but a couple of injuries and he could be back in the side this year.

2 year deal done.