Maybe in your head Ward was yes but he wasn't a stand out and he always had the fitness issue holding him back, still has.

In the head of plenty others at the time if you look back at the posts. Either way Watkins wasn’t based on normal criteria, and was wrong for the role. Like I said though, I understand the clubs thoughts.

Ward would've been a good choice, and still could be in the future, but he simply doesn't play enough games

But you said Watkins got the gig because of his mental health issues. If anything Stevie Ward who had similar issues and started a support group on the back of that would have had an equal claim if indeed the club was giving the captaincy away on a charity basis.

I think you will find those issues were very much different.

Really? I thought both had mental health issues.

Anyway, i agree with charlie; Ward would be long term a great Leeds captain that has always been obvious but the injuries have always been there and still are.big shame

Making merrin captain is fine with me but the idea that Watkins position in the team is under threat is the biggest load of tripe I have ever heard. He is the only player we have in the ball park of being world class

Merrin can be and is a leader without the title of captain.

But expected back by end of week.

Sadly, a family bereavement, and you won't need him v Workington, so thought they would have given him a little more time.

I cant see him being back so quick given the nature of the terrible event. All the best to Trents girlfriend and her family.

Terrible news.

The Mole saying he's not coming back. Which is what I already convinced mesen of.

Never wanted to come in first place.

I’m sorry to hear he has had a family bereavement.

Merrin has been our best forward by some distance, but he can’t win games on his own. If the rumours that he’s leaving are true we are in big trouble.

I wouldn't be surprised either. Whilst he may not have been making contact, I'll be surprised if NRL sides haven't approached him, particularly St George due to the de Bellin issues and the fact that he played for them before.

On the plus side, if it does happen it might shut some of the dressing room issues down if what has been said is correct (although I've no sympathy with many of our squad if they think they should earn more....), and potentially enable us to target the sort of players we need in the shorter term. Who that may be I have absolutely no idea.

Agreed, if any of our squad think they deserve to be paid equally to Hurrell or Merrin, they should be shipped out as soon as possible . Most of them are lucky to have a superleague contract on the last 18 month performances