Glad its finally been announced, as centre was the gaping hole in the squad. Sad for Leigh about Ferguson. Wouldn't be a surprise to see him back in the NRL this year.

Is MacDonald likely to be fit for the start of the season?
If he was due to be out for 3 months after the WC it leaves it late for him to be match fit in time or at best first week in Feb.

We might have no first choice centres for
Start. Go Olpherts, Martin I guess…?

Not seen anything formal from the club but it's not looking good. was hoping to see him play boxing day.

Quote: Shabino "We might have no first choice centres for Start. Go Olpherts, Martin I guess…?'" Sounds like both 3 & 4 shouldn't be too far off https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/ ... es-3955436

Quote: Shabino "We might have no first choice centres for Start. Go Olpherts, Martin I guess…?'" Sounds like both 3 & 4 shouldn't be too far off https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/ ... es-3955436

Charlie's not overdoing it on the weak defence but he may be doing so regarding Nene's prowess under a high ball. He tended to convert our attacking high kicks to the left into tries early season but seemed to panic when given similar "brown trouser treatment" in defence.

Our left side defence was a worry (especially early doors) when Nene seemed to get sucked inside too often. We were (whilst trouncing most Champ teams) shipping too many tries on that side. Lam (Snr) did improve things up to a point and the addition of Inu outside (once match fit) buttressed things but still Kris was often left with a dilemma when his centre went AWOL inside. Then witness him falling off Joey Leilua of Fev - yes the latter is a big unit but other, smaller, players clung on (although Joey dragged them over on that occasion).

Nene's hat trick (especially his third try) against Whitehaven in Leigh's 2022 season opener had Bongser purring (do Leopards purr?) but the latter is not that purr-turbed at his moving on.

Seems a nice bloke, good luck to him (bar against us).

Probably just needs a better coach.

Don’t think any of us are that bothered how he went at Leigh now. Smith knows his ability and rates him. That will be enough for him to do well at Leeds….

He was terrible in the world cup. His defense was woeful. That must be a worry

Not a worry no. He was likely carrying an injury, + we won’t be expecting that much next season after no pre-season, coming back after a bad injury.
He’ll get some game time, but we can cover as long as Newman can somehow stay fit!
Martin, Handley, 2 young centres, apparently Olpherts can all do a job at centre too……..

I personally think it`s a worry having a centre who can`t defend alongside a winger who also can`t defend.
Attack not a problem as both are good finishers. But unless Smith can somehow work a few miracles that left side is going to ship a few.

We've a few key players missing a fair bit of pre season which is a worry. McDonald, Oledsjki, Smith, Newman, Lisone... could be a tricky start to the season.

Smith out.