They are playing like they never met each other until 5 minutes before kick off. The only reason a lot of people are not too concerned is because this is a fairly regular occurrence during McD's time in charge. I actually think that for the same reason the players subconsciously accept this level of performance as well. Been there before, it will come right. Not a bad way to think sometimes but do it once too often and you suddenly turn into Salford for 10 years.

It has been clear to certain posters and myself that since Sinfield announced his move to Union last year that we needed to sign a goal kicking play maker/game manager ideally at halfback. However the consensus on this board was that we didn't need another half back and that Sutcliffe was good enough.

As I said last year Sutcliffe has never looked to me like a play maker as IMO his running game is more suited to the centre or fullback positions. I do not know why we did not recruit for this all important role as it was a big gamble IMO to risk no injuries to McGuire. So it was no surprise to me that when McGuire pick up an injury our attack would struggle.

Your right mate, lets name all the top quality halves knocking around superleague that are off contract...ummm...

Today was a real low point in an already disappointing season. Losing is an inevitable consequence of combat it the manner of that defeat that dictates its acceptability. There is no shame in defeat if you have given it your best shot and have been beaten by a better side. Even the most ardent McDermott supporters must admit this didn't happen today.

Within 10 minutes there were 3 subs waiting to come on until the coach changed his mind. 15 minutes in 6/7 players made little effort to get behind the ball to help with drive forward - the were getting restless. The players' attitude is all wrong. Cuthbertson took on the role of stand off with a kick on the last - what is going on?

The hole left by Briscoe for the second Wakey try was as bad as the one left for the Ashurst try in the first - joke defending at this level. The less said about Hall's try the better - he certainly had Hardaker beat for pace.

Wakey deserve some praise their defending was excellent especially last ditch efforts on Jjb and Hardaker.

This is a team deprived of confidence, direction, comittment and purpose, blame the players yes but the coach has to question wether he is still the right man for the job?

We signed Ferres who was not off contract and Garbutt and Faloon too. Just don't complain or be surprised when you take the field without a play maker at 6.

What can a coach do having had so many injured and out of form players at the same time?

According to official SL website, the penalty count was 14-5 in Leeds favour.

Hud trying to release Ferres, same with Garbutt at broncos, I assume similar with Falloon given the cocaine scandal and his injuries
No decent half in a similar situation in SL

Not sure what you mean by play maker but if you mean that he is just a runner then it works pretty well for Melbourne and NQL

Thought some of our fans were a disgrace yesterday. Chanting "WTF is going on"

Absolute pr-cks. Acting like spoilt children. Don't know how good we've had it and the second we have a blip they can't wait to get on the players backs.

You don't deserve Leeds Rhinos.

We have a bigger, better squad than most to start with. Cas had more than us out, bloody Wakey had more out. Explain how they can win?

I think the WTF chant moment was down to the headless chicken attacking set where Achurch failed to get over the line.

I also was saying this Last season. We had 5 players McGuire, Sutcliffe, falloon, burrow and lilley to cover 4 positions. 6,7,9 and 14. It only took one injury to make us look so weak in the role. As it has proved. I know it's easier said than done just to sign a HB but it is something that I've been concerned about since Sinfields announcement. One people agreed with until Aiton said he was leaving, then suddenly it wasn't as important and Sutcliffe would be the saviour. Oh and to add to that we don't have a decent goal kicker.

This is not likely obviously. But I'd love us to sign Gale. Came through the academy, young enough to have a decent length career at Leeds and looks ready to step up and control a bigger team.

Can't win.

Leeds sign a HB, they are stunting the younger lads, GIVE YOUTH A CHANCE!

Leeds DONT sign a HB, WTF! These youth players are rubbish, why didn't we stockpile several HB's??

That you need to ask what I mean when I use the term play maker rather explains why you fail to see why Sutcliffe has never shown he is a stand off or the player to replace our main organiser. We should have used the marquee route to get the quality needed if necessary.

If you are from the group that were happy to give youth with unproven ability a chance then stop complaining now when we hit problems. Without a play maker to steer the ship even light headwinds can blow you onto the rocks.

Leeds have played a much applauded off the cuff attractive style of rugby rather than a more boring style based on structured moves. To not replace our main pivot with similar class was a big risk and we now have to hope McGuire remains fit for the rest of the season and that young Golding can provide some spark when he returns.

The young players have to be of the correct quality/readiness - if they are not the club have a duty to the supporters to provide a competitive team.

Whether either Lilley or Sutcliffe will fill eventually fill the above criteria is debatable - one thing is for sure the club needs another half back of the appropriate quality ASAP.

I have some sympathy with GH - Sinfield's departure and Sutcliffe's injury would have thrown a major spanners in the works - I would have thought they were looking at a gradual transition between the two. Finding another Dunneman will be very difficult given the lack of quality in the NRL but a Widdop type steady-eddie to play alongside McGuire would be ideal right now.

McGuire's injury has also compounded an already difficult situation - I am sure he will be back this week and matters will improve.

Can they make the top 4 - it will be tough with Wigan x 2, Saints, Warrington and Hull away before the split it will take a huge effort - it time for some players to grow into the shoes left by Sinfield and Peacock.