If Lilley starts he kicks and if he doesn't then Zak kicks and we hope he improves. But it should be said a club of Leeds stature should be able to obtain a 75-80% ratio kicker

On that percentage it's a no-brainer. Lilley must be the kicker (Sinfield eat your heart out)

From where? I suspect relatively few RL kickers exceed 75% and of those that do, how many would you want to see displaying their non-kicking game in a Leeds shirt?

what stats don't tell you is how many were made in pressure situations when the game is tight, even from mid range like the one Hardaker had the other night.Its ok banging 7/8 over in a 40 point romp but the long term goal had to be to find someone capable in the big situations.Not going to be easy for any of those mentioned and the only way they will get there is time spent practising, and being backed by the club simple as that really.

Agreed that basic kicking stats would require a deeper analysis but they still mirror my perception of the potential candidates for the Headingley job. Burrow has the best % and has kicked at least one memorable game saving conversion at home V Bradford.

A couple or three ironies on the list, IIRC. 1 - Burrow would have set a Challenge Cup semi-final record had McDermott not been given the easy conversion attempt - which he gloriously missed. 2 - McGuire has never successfully kicked a conversion for Leeds (including a gimme in the 70-0 Wigan game) despite kicking a goal for the full GB Test side. 3 - Botham never kicked a goal for Leeds but once kicked a goal as a Leeds player which cost his parent club a competition point in a draw at Brentford.

All from fading memories so prepared for corrections and/or further embellishment.

Agree clearwing that there's not very much you would change about the team and you can't just fit a natural goalkicker in for the sake of it. But I just think Lilley should be given the role while he's in the team

If where going with hardacker then like everything we need to give him time and invest in coaching him. Don't think chopping and changing helps anyone. He seems to have loads of power needs to work on a routine and accuracy. While I wouldn't want sinfield to return playing he isn't too far away to give a bit of advice and tips, but hardaker needs time to find the way that works best for him

SL is a professional business and place kicking is such an important element in whether you win or lose so it is not something to be treated lightly. I can understand why Hardaker was given the job in the absence of obvious candidates amongst the other starters. Burrow has a long running hamstring problem which place kicking can aggravate and Sutcliffe is just returning from a serious knee injury so there were not many options.

However now with Mags out for 2 months and Lilley the obvious replacement there is a better kicking option. Lilley is a natural kicker something which ZH has never shown. If ZH is to be considered then this should only be when he has proven he has acquired the technique to be able to consistently put them over on the training field with ease. To pursue with him when he is not ready is to risk him losing self confidence which would effect his overall game.

I start this season hoping for the best but devoid of expectations of back to backing any of last seasons achievements. That's not defeatist or not believing in the team. For me it's just a recognition of the fact that we have some major adjustments to make post Sinfield, those adjustments may come quickly or they may not. We have a great team and a very good coach but we shouldn't expect too much of either this season. It will, I am certain come good and if it takes a season to bed in the new structures, then that's what it takes. There will be highs and lows, enjoy the one and keep a sense or perspective about the other.

Excellently put good sir. My sentiments too

Hardaker's late penalty attempt had all the hallmarks of a player trying to kick the bladder out of the ball and losing technique in the process. Worrying too much about having sufficient power to get it dead if he did miss?

Sutcliffe is, IMO, the best goal-kicker of the likely starters. The penalty Hardaker missed was a very similar position to the one he kicked at home to Catalans to snatch a draw IIRC. However, he would have been hampered on Thursday by his calf injury.

Yep agree with that. Which seems a bit odd given Hardaker has a hell of a boot on him when he does connect.
I'm still generally in favour of Hardaker over Sutcliffe simply because it gives Sutcliffe one less thing he has to worry about, which I think can be helpful for a young half back.

If I remember correctly Sutcliffe has only recently been able to kick a ball at all after his injury. The club might be taking the view that he should gain some confidence in training first and Zak is simply filling in until Sutcliffe is ready.

Lilley is a natural kicker. Hardaker just loves the spotlight. Give the kicking duties to Lilley

agree

1st game of season can have shock results or basketball scores

last thurs was close throughout could have gone either way and better to watch than a lot of the 2011-2014 games