Just a thought (based on some of you pointing out GH's 'long game' approach, the 'below salary cap' position and the 'loyalty to long-termers'. Might this be some sort of trade-off at some level? I'm not sure whether it would openly be discussed between GH and the relevant players / their agents but might there be some discussion along the lines of 'you won't get top-dollar wages here; we will pay less than you could get somewhere else. However, we will also be more loyal and recognise your loyalty; if we feel you still offer something to the team (even if you aren't quite as good as the year before) we will look to keep you on.'

Seems funny them being so far under the cap, with so many (fading, yes) big players in the squad. I wonder if that is merely part of what they put forward to players - would you rather get a £25000 job with little prospect of a wage increase, but more long term security, or a £35000 job that is more short term and you might then have to take a massive cut, or scrabble around for whatever you can get afterwards..?

Do we know with any certainty how far below the salary cap the Rhinos are?
I doubt it.
We're all making assumptions without knowing the true facts.

2005 we were incredibly entertaining. We got to two finals. We might not have won anything, but we got two finals and therefore gave the sponsors that coverage, and we had record crowds because we were so entertaining.

I think Sinfield alluded to that after the 2009 Grand Final. If you expect loyalty, it cuts both ways.

With the quick shuffling off of Bails and Kirke (as we thought we were getting Mossop) would indicate Leeds are at the cap.

Out - BJB, Bailey, Kirke, Clarkson

In - Cuthbertson

Would suggest we're under the cap, even given some contract improvements for younger players.

McDermott was taking about further recruitment a couple of weeks ago, that would suggest the club has room under the cap. GH has consistently said there is always room under the cap in case a top player becomes available mid season.

Much talk of the youngsters coming through but how much will we see of them? Cameron Smith is allegedly the next big thing but you will not see him anywhere near the first team this year. Sinfield played in the first team at 16 why not Smith even for a couple of games if he is as good as everyone says.

No new contract for Hardaker is an interesting development - perhaps he is on his way to Wigan after all.

Kirke and Bailey going for Mossop to balance the cap doesn't add up to me given Wigan only moved on Dudson? to get Mossop in.

When I said entertainment business I didn't mean they have to play entertaining rugby, what I meant was you have to give fans a reason to spend their leisure time and money. It is no surprise the club has seen a fall in attendances despite winning things. Marketing is a complex science being a steady eddy is perhaps not the most attractive marketing ploy?

Pettybourne was moved on too.

www.therhinos.co.uk/news/25717.php 19 man squad... Delaney the only injury.

www.therhinos.co.uk/news/25717.php 19 man squad... Delaney the only injury.

My guess at team McD will put out:

Hardaker
Briscoe
Watkins
Moon
Hall
Sinfield
McGuire
Leuluai
Burrow
Peacock
Ablett
Ward
Cuthbertson

Aiton
Singleton
JJB
Achurch

I'd like to see Sutcliffe over McGuire, Yates over JJB and Aiton starting.

Leuluai may get a reprieve this week with Delaney missing but still think he'll go with starting JJB at prop because I think that is the long term plan this year when everybody is fit.

Think about it with regards to the starting pack. You have Burrow or Aiton at hooker. Peacock and Ablett are nailed on surely for one of the prop and 2nd rows places and Cuthbertson looks like he's going to play at loose. That leaves one prop and 2nd row spot remaining and if he plays Leuluai then that means having to 'demote' one of JJB or Delaney to the bench......and when you think about it can anybody realistically see McDermott wanting to do that. I personally can't see him making JJB or Delaney a regular bench starter.

JJB starting the Bradford game at prop even though we had Leuluai, Singleton, Yates and even Achurch as more recognised front row options on the bench I think showed his intentions.

stupid if it is because JJB has played prop a few times and always been found wanting. nowhere near big enough

I would start with JP and Singleton in the front row.like tad,not convinced JJB is cut out for front row he is simply too small imo .he will be ok there against the lesser sides but would get found out against the top sides.

I would have JJB on the bench and push cuthbertson up to front row when he comes on and give JJB a roaming role from loose.

What difference does it make if JJB plays prop or LF anyway?

None really. I never use to like him being picked there back around 2006 but then we had a ball handler in Sinield at loose which made us look too light imo around the middle. However with a big guy in Cuthbertson at loose it makes it's very different. Think it also opens up the door for Ward to get in the 17.

Option A
Leuluai - Burrow - Peacock
Ablett - JJB/Delaney
Cuthbertson

Aiton
JJB/Delaney (your back row option)
Singleton
Yates/Achurch/Mulhern???? (Surely we should have a two prop bench and these are the options?)

No room for the likes of Ward or Walters or Sutcliffe really unless you again flog JP in a three prop rotation. I know you could move Cuthbertson there after 30 mins with JJB to loose but then really what is the point of picking the guy there in the first place?

Option B
JJB - Burrow - Peacock
Ablett - Delaney
Cuthbertson

Aiton
Ward (Backrow option)
Singleton (1st prop option)
Leuluai (2nd prop option)

Ward, Walters can get more opportunities and the bench looks more balanced with straight swaps avaliable without having to move around guys mid-match. Whilst doubts about JJB there, is him at prop really a massive difference to having Leuluai there? Think Option B looks better of the two (I know some will point out we could/should start Singleton but realistically he ain't going to be starting ahead of JJB as the whole point of the move is so McDermott can keep his 'trusted guys' starting matches)