and that's down to lack of structure and planning

Not 1-17, no. Halves and fullback, yes. And that's no criticism of Moon. He's improved things in the halves a bit despite the fact he isn't one. This is itself an illustration of our problems in that regard.

I would agree with that generally and under the right coaching.

But flipping it currently, would Briscoe, Sutcliffe, McGuire, Galloway, Singleton, Ferres, JJB, Keinhorst, Walters, Handley, and Mullalley get anywhere near the Cas team? not a chance.

I'd move Burrow to be the head coach for the U16s and keep Morley as the head coach of U19s. McGuire has mentioned wanting to take on a developmental role in the past so I would make him a specialist halves and fullbacks coach working with both the U16s and U19s. Struggling to think of a role for JJB, his passion and determination is unquestionable but I'm not sure how best to utilise this.

Interesting interview with JJB ,especially from 2nd paragraph. www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/rugby- ... bert-Hicks

Interesting interview with JJB ,especially from 2nd paragraph. www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/rugby- ... bert-Hicks

The only player that worried me at the match was Moon, due to his elusive running. Watching it again on TV he didn't stand out.

You're right although he has been a fair bit better in most other games when he's been played in the halves. But really, it is only elusiveness he offers although I reckon he kicks better than McGuire, even if it isn't to a great standard. But a bit like Burrow, while he can produce the odd bit of magic he can't really run a game from start to finish in the way a good half would.

I think he's a cracking player, not natural HB though, as you say. More threatening in the centres given the right ball. I though Cas looked weak on the left without Shenton & I'm nervous of Eden's defence. Minikin looks like a lightweight version of Shenton & I thought Leeds would make more of that side, together with a suspect Hitchcox on the other wing.

Are we bringing a new rule in next season - 3 subs only. It appears that way as B McD is only using 3 and its not the first time this season!

I don't think the Cas game is the best illustration of the problems at Leeds, since the big issue on Friday was the amount of ball we turned over, something that can easily be fixed. Defensively Leeds stood up despite the amount of possession against us and the much-vaunted Cas attack. There is perhaps an issue about the big-game temperament of the team that wouldn't have been there with Sinfield and Peacock around - and this still needs to be addressed.

But I'm more worried about the games we've lost to lesser opposition, with the greatest respect to Widnes and the other teams knocking around the bottom of the table. I would like to hope that, now that the nightmare of 2016 looks to have been put behind us, McDermott can be allowed to walk away with his dignity and reputation in tact, possibly even to another SL club. Ideally a new coach could be announced in time for the incoming coach to be able to assess the qualities of the current squad and make a small number of critical replacements.

I maintain that a mass clear-out would be foolish in one go, unless we want to risk the middle 8s next season. Gotcha makes a good point about how many of our less capable first-teamers would make the Cas squad. At the same time I wonder how many players from Cas we would have taken 2-3 seasons ago? Powell has literally turned some average players into Dream Team contenders, just like Murray did for us all those years ago (incidentally a team that Powell and Sheridan were part of). I'd love to see a breath of fresh air in the coaching department at Leeds - but won't be holding my breath either... I wonder what it would take for GH to act? Finishing outside the top 4 and no Wembley appearance? Wait until the ground redevelopments are finished?

I think when it gets to the point that Ash Handley is starting and in the centres, you need to re-evaluate your playing staff roster.

Moon is the emergency relief half for two 35 something injury prone halves with no backups - and everyone else fills in.


McGuire owes the fans a public apology for his behaviour which caused him to be binned on Friday. Hardly a captain's example.

We have gone from the best and most influential captain in our history, to the worst and least effective captain we have ever appointed. What makes it more ridiculous was that even when this appointment was just rumours certain posters on here called it exactly as this, without any need for hindsight. It was so absolutely obvious he was not captain material, that in its self tells you all you need to know about the complacent thinking within our club.

Who would you have given it to at the time?

Stevie Ward for me, without question.

I fully accept there was a shortage, and hence the recruitment should have answered that question. But Ward should have been the club appointment, and Ablett should have been the stand in team appointment whilst Ward was out. Mcguire was never the answer, same as Burrow too, and that was not with hindsight.