GH seems to have "nailed his colours to the mast" about bringing in a top centre from the NRL but mentions it might drift past the start of the season after NRL clubs start pre season (he leaves it too late). Any thoughts, if it slips further Jack Reed is OOC at the end of 2013?

When did we last sign a centre from the NRL who didn't end up playing 2nd row within 18 months?

Hot air to bolster season ticket sales... again.

We're still waiting for a hooker of 'equal or better ability' than that of Danny Buderus.

Now a world class centre to add to his shopping list.

I really like GH, he has done miraculous things with this club - taking them from the brink of financial ruin to the most successful period the club has ever witnessed but he does have a tendency to come out with specifically designed statements which are for the sole purpose of increasing season ticket sales. By the start of next season all of us that intend on buying a season ticket will have already done so. My guess is that nothing will come of his Australian jaunt... again.

Brad Godden, Paul Bell and Tonie Carroll (IIRC) didn't end up in the back row, at least not at Leeds.

Clinton Toopi?

Ended up at loose forward where he was more effective

TC ended up playing in the BR aswell.

Don't think it was the NRL when we signed Godden or Bell was it?

its a fairly logical progression as that yard of pace recedes but is replaced by a bit more strength

Do you see the connection?

I'd start the season with Ablett at centre up to and including the WCC (don't think Keinhorst is ready to be facing the Aussies), then after that start given Keinhorst some starts.

I don't see left centre as a priority at all. Unless we can sign someone significantly better tan Ablett why bother? Ablett is the best left centre in this competition.

He's a very creative centre. Look at the timing of his pass to Hall for his try. Superb centre play.

Yes, he's also a very good back rower and if he sees his future there then, fine, but only if we can find a better player than him for Left Centre. I'm not sure that players in in this competition and I doubt you can lure quality from the NRL these days.

I'd take Atkins (if he got a sensible hair cut) but that ain't going to happen. Used to find him a bit limited but seems to have added some more strings to his bow in the last year or two.

Unless we find real top quality from somewhere, I'd be happy to persuade Ablett to stay put. It isn't like playing at centre for a bit precludes you from playing back-row later is it? See Carroll, T; McKenna, C; Delaney, B et al for details.

Completely agree!

Yes - but the more he blows sunshine up our ar[sizes[/sizees the more credibility he loses with regards to player recruitment.