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.

Presumably you refer to Albert at Leeds, not Golding to Bulls?

Yeah Wellington Albert.