McShane is the new Dean Lawford (have I said that yet). Could cost us dear in 2012...really hope I am wrong. Just like I was about Leeds winning the Championship last year

I think the point he was making was that with the exchange rate we will no longer see players of Buderus or Farah's caliber. All that will be available are nobodies.

Frankly, I am far more intrigued to see Liam Hood play than I am Farah, AN Other import or McShane.

What are you basing that on?

I'd have agreed with Highbury last year but this year up to about May I thought McShane was developing quite nicely.

His performance in the win at Cas - the game in which Peacock made his comeback - was a masterclass of play selection and delivery from dummy half, one pass close to the line to create a try for the winger in particular.

When he's struggled, it's usually been where the pack as a whole has been on the back foot - an away game at Hull KR where he couldn't tackle a three course meal springs to mind.

Aye that stuck in my mind. He was really improving then McDermott decided he needed Burrow from the bench so McShane struggled for game time.

Yeah, what does he know the big lummox!

As it stands McShane is going to have to step up to the mark.

In the absence of a genuine alternative (no idea whether Hood is capable before at least seeing him play 1st grade and wouldn't like to see Sinfield or Jones-Buchanan tied up at dummy half) it's still a position I can see Lee Smith turning his hand to.

Macca was looking pretty good last season but his form & then gametime started to drop-off when he didn't get the contract offer he was after now that's all sorted I think he'll go really well for you this season.

It was an observation about what happened, not a judgment upon it.

Quite agree. I remember when Smith was playing well at FB he regulary came up to acting half back and did well with distribution and quick runs. And he can kick as well.

I still have a question mark over McShane. I am not sure yet of his defensive consistency and is a bit apt to go on his own when a pass if the right move.

Smith might be slower for a winger now, but he'd be bloody quick for a hooker. Still would rather see McShane & Hood get a crack first.

Think it has been proven that Burrow is best from the bench so there's no room for Hood or Smith (presuming McShane starts) there too as an interchange hooker. It will be interesting to see which combinations are used.

Farah - like Buderus before him - would make the choice easier as to who should start.

Do we know if Farah is going to be available?

Based mainly on what I saw of him in 2010 and early in 2011 (although to be fair no-one was pulling up trees in the first part of the season) I guess it's also a hunch based on watching RL for years and years. I genuinely hope it's a 'misread' from me (not unheard of) but I fear I may be right. Oh and I have no agenda other than wanting Leeds to do really well next year!! (for all the season not just the last 8 games)