It's crazy what people will believe, a player with an NRL clause in his contract being linked with an NRL club. It is a pretty easy story to make up for a few clicks.

Some people really do talk rubbish. Whatever you think of him, one of Hetherington's most well-known characteristics is driving a hard bargain, it's saved and generated hundreds of thousands for Leeds over the years.

I think the fact that Blease commented on the story so quickly shows there is something in it. Whether that means Croft will go or not, I have no idea. He's not really the same type of player as Ben Hunt, so the link does surprise me a bit. I'm also surprised Jackson Hastings isn't on St G's list given he's out of favour at Newcastle.

There's no way an NRL club will pay £150-200k for Croft. Leeds can play hardball all they want, but it will just delay recruiting a replacement.

How much did we get for Segeyaro, Nene, Eastwood? A new partnership with an NRL club.

Blease is big mates with Hastings , so I guess if Croft goes it could well be Jacko in, I hope Croft stays

More like making the best of a bad job, I suspect.

I would not be surprised if Croft stays for 25 with Hastings replacing him in 26. I also think Blease might have one eye on the fortunes of Will Pryce.

And how much had we just paid in transfer fees for those?

Irrelevant.

Some people really don't know how Rugby League economics work. St George are desperate, they will pay if they want Croft.

If Croft wants to leave we'll eventually have to just suck it up, but as a business it would be insane to not force as much compensation as possible.

The argument that we should let a player go because he won't want to play for us again is valid, but so is acting in the best interests of the club financially. I'd also argue the Arthur factor would outweigh any negativity associated with Leeds simply enforcing their rights to not deregister a player just because it suits them.

By the way, I'm not sure Croft would necessarily want to join the Dragons. St George need a replacement for Hunt. Croft is not the lead playmaker they need - someone like Hastings would make more sense. The whole reason Croft left the NRL is because the last time an NRL team tried to make him the centre of the team he collapsed under the pressure. Even at Leeds we've seen that he isn't comfortable as the main organiser.

They need an organiser, fine. Frawley plus a modest transfer fee and everyone is happy.

Or they could throw silly money at Harry Smith, if they need a kicking game.

Yes i totally agree on that but i think he's lost his way of late and he's not as good as he was. I rate Hetherington very highly and i always have fwiw.