If you assume we're pretty much up to the cap now (maybe including Donaldson), we probably need to consider that 2020 will be without: Ablett, JJB, Mullaly, Walters, Ormondroyd, Ferres?, Sutcliffe?/Golding?/Handley?, Cuthbo?, Parcell?... could easily be looking at as big a turnaround in personnel for next season as this. It says a lot when I reckon we could shed just about all of these players without it affecting the starting squad too badly. Of course, another thing we've done is sign our marquees on long-term contracts, so we're locked in to paying any new props/other players £150k max is it?
It isn't easy balancing a squad under the salary cap, and it's right the club shows loyalty because that's a big part of the culture which has previously brought success, and hopefully will again. However it's fair to say that the club has made quite a few poor calls over several years now and made the inevitable transition harder than it should have been. The project signings haven't paid off on the whole; the "tall and mobile" forward model hasn't paid off and it was a mistake not to use marquee funds previously.

Maybe the tall and mobile player might be what`s needed this year due to fewer subs.
Not saying that`s what I want to see but it might help.

And I could be £115m better off had I known the numbers in advance.

You are right but the moment has gone. We need to focus forwards.

So Donaldson has been given a 1 year contract.

Not sure how much gametime he will get but don't think we have anything to lose with a one year contract.

I do think that concludes the new signings though.

Most probably unless we can offload two or three before or during the season.
It might allow us to move for another signing towards the playoffs or looks like we will have to wait until next year.

Think walters now will be gone to Fev, suspect Donaldson may also play some dual reg, if everyone stays fit. But can anybody see JJB ward, and Ablett all staying fit for a prolonged period. Its not a wow signing, but coaching team obviously seen enough to warrant a deal. Could end up being one if those surprisingly good signing or at worst just a squad filler, but better than walters Keinhorst Sutcliffe.

Probably a sensible decision. By all accounts he has the right attitude, has a decent skill-set, and offers a lot more than some of the other under-performing squad members. With a 1 year deal Leeds do not have much to lose here, and there's a big incentive for Donaldson to get stuck in and earn a longer deal.

I get that we're already well-stocked in this position and that he's not in the same class as the other signings made for 2019. Realistically, I think we can call this signing a success if he is able to come into the squad, work hard in defence and make his share of carries taking the ball up, without making too many errors - like Kirke's role in previous seasons. Hopefully this will allow more time for the better players to work their magic, and give older and injury-prone players someone competent they can be rotated with when needed.

I'm really pleased for Donno. I always liked him when he was at Bradford and were it not for some bad luck injury wise he'd probably already be an established SL player by now.
His work rate is excellent and he has one of the best tackling techniques I've seen. You can do a lot worse for some LF cover and the added benefit of giving him a short deal like this is that he'll be motivated to impress for 2020 and beyond.

Glad he is sorted for a year at least. 100% commitment guaranteed. Good luck Donno.

Other than the obvious Walters & Ormanroyd who does he offer more than?
Not good enough KR but good enough for us? Not imo.

Depends who's out injured. A few likely candidates to add to those you've mentioned IMO

Also see Cas signing another Rhino in Clarkson.
They didn`t do too bad with some of our other players so maybe Donaldson might come good for us.
I think that he will offer more than Walters, Ormandroyd, Mullalley, JJB and at this stage probably more than some of our younger players who will not be able to play every week.
With a squad it gives us the option of resting players and add cover for injuries too.
It is not an ideal situation we are in but we are where we are and have to make the best of what we have to play with.

Really disappointed with this signing. He's not good enough for Leeds. Hope he doesn't hinder the progress of Cam Smith and Owen Trout.

Agree pal. Nothing against the lad but a small second-row who averages 13-14 games a year as either injured or not good enough for Hull kr is underwhelming

He's a loose forward.