I think King might want to try get a starting spot somewhere from an interview I read, which may mean he goes and Martin and Hurrell stay on reduced terms.

Personally the player id like to see go is Thompson but unfortunately he’s still in contract

I think Martin would be the biggest loss overall if he left. If he sad to see Hurrell go, because he is a genuine weapon, but I think he's so hot and cold that he doesn't positively impact us enough overall. Martin is an 80min player and grafts all day long, and his goal kicking can be the difference in tight games

I'm still annoyed we sacrificed a quota spot for 3 years in order to grab a bargain basement back row/middle cover. Thompson does have some quality but it was a crazy decision and he (predictably) hasn't contributed too much.

To some extent it doesn't really matter which of the three we retain, because we do have cover across the park now - or we could use salary released to try to balance the squad a bit more (e.g. winger).

Interesting times. Dressing room dynamics and players' training discipline will come into play in these decisions too. All we see is the end result.

King plays in a position where we are short so if he goes he needs to be replaced. Personally I would like to add another prop so that would mean probably releasing both Martin and Hurrell

True but he maybe doesn't need to be replaced with an OS player

The whole half back conundrum will be interesting but I think they'll probably name Austin at 13 a fair amount and basically give him a roaming role and just let him run/do what he does best. It's a crude comparison but similar to what they've asked L Briscoe to do a couple of times- go out play in the middle and make a nuisance of yourself and make your tackles.

That said, I can't think of any game this year we've had our first choice 1,6,7 available for whatever reason so chances are he'll end up playing half more than he does anywhere else.

Retention wise, I have a feeling it'll be Martin that departs. Can't be a lot of wriggle room on the cap which might see King stay and I suspect Hurrell will be offered reduced terms for a couple of years. Suppose it depends what other offers they both have on the table- both would likely get a first team spot in SL and I think Hurrell played RU at the start of his career so maybe that's an option for him too.

I think what happens with the SL next year will also have an impact, if it goes to 14 teams there will be a few teams quite happy to throw big contracts at players like Hurrell and Martin (and even maybe King) to try and stay in that top 10 for 2023

Think people are pleased because Austin is still a big name.
If you look at his performances for Wire though he’s been very disappointing. Seemed more interested in his trainer collection than proving himself on the pitch.
But blank canvas now so let’s see, but don’t think it’s wise to get too excited about this signing yet.
Also if it means we loose Martin or Hurrell it may be a double edged sword.
Austin has the ability to come good, but won’t be easy after his spell at Wire....

We do have a habit of signing names rather than form I have to say.

Probably boils down to our confidence/over-confidence that the Leeds infrastructure magically transforms all players from other clubs into better players. The truth is that other clubs also have good, professional set-ups and good coaching - even if Leeds is probably the gold standard in some things.

You see the quote time and again "... in our environment..". Anyway, I still quite like this signing on balance because Austin brings in something we lack. I'd like a bit more scorchio pace out wide and enough cover in the front row, and then I'm a relatively happy bunny.

you'll need someone else to do his tackling then, cos he doesn't like getting stuck in, despite being a pretty big guy for a halfback, he shirks the work.

Hurrell has been dire this season.He has had only one good game against a very poor Cas side.Martin if he isnt retained may count himself unlucky but we have loads of back rowers.

Hurrell is still our best attacking option......

Hurrell is marmite isn't he - rocks and diamonds, hot and cold, all that. Some fans will love him for the good stuff, others hate him for the errors.

Going forward he's probably the most damaging runner through contact of any player in the competition. He's solid one-on-one in D too as long as he doesn't get too lateral.

Positioning, skills, not so great. To be brutal there is an argument to replace all three with one star quality prop and winger, so an upgrade on King if you like and a Donald-esque player meaning we could also let Luke Briscoe go, with thanks, and also put some pressure on Tom with his contract coming to an end next season.

One game in 5 he is.He's our worst defender every game and probably has the most errors.

Toaty agree with your last paragraph.