But Watkins fitness and form have been dropping off for some time - for me the last we saw of the old Kal was 2015 and he's been increasingly patchy ever since. He must know he hasn't been performing as a top SL centre, let alone world class, so it's a funny time for him to push for more. The only way he could reasonably argue it is if he was demonstrating real leadership on the field, but its clear to all he hasn't.

If you ignore the "bitter row" bullspit then it appears Leeds have said Kallum is free to negotiate a better deal in the NRL if he so wishes. Good luck with that one on current form.

Surely Watkins can’t think he’s going to get a gig in the NRL on his current form? I’m guessing it’s his agent kicking up dust to try force a better contract. No way he can expect a NRL contract at the moment

Jesus, you obviously don't watch Leeds on a weekly basis if you think Merrin is a pedestrian. It's no coincidence, that when he goes off, the side falls apart. Have a little look at his stats each week, you'll soon change your tune.

Catch 22 for leeds as he's absolutely not worth a massive salary on current form (barely even an average one) but club relations surely can't afford to get worse.

Catch 22 for kallum as I can't even see the bottom placed NRL sides looking at him. His position as captain is surely even more untenable if the story is true.

Would it not also be true and fair that many others deserve to receive relative reduced terms given their performances.

Top performer Merrin,imagine the pack without him(no don't go there it's too awful).Should be captain.

Looking at it from the opposite point of view, could kallum's dip in form be predicated by this "dispute"?

Absolutely. I met him a couple of weeks ago in town, and I was pleasantly surprised at how happy he is at the club, and wants to take us forward. Should be the first name on the sheet every week.

I'm sure kallums form will return in a while it was a horrific injury and it will take time, but it doesn't look like it will be at Leeds . I dont think he will be the only one to leave . I think Kevin is wielding the Axe . I think Kallum will go to Salford or Catalans

I mentioned in a previous thread that I was told big things are coming out. This is obviously one of them. Don’t know what to make of this or who’s side I want to be on. I thought he was one of the players that gained the RFL extra pay for staying in Super League? Same as Jonny Lomax, Percival, ETC?

I don’t know about his captaincy, you’d have to see behind the scenes for that one. He is a great lad and is a very good player when fit.
My concern is that he’s permanently lost pace, like McGuire, after his bad injury. I don’t know if he’s tough enough for the second row, and that leaves a problem.
The club and player will know where he is at with the knee, but I guess the prognosis isn’t sure.
It’s all very unfortunate.

Maybe this is a leak from inside the club to put pressure on Watkins if they want him to take a reduced contract but legally they don't have a leg to stand on if this is part of his current deal and doesn't exactly make Leeds an attractive proposition for new players if they try to renege on deals mid contract