Of course not, however, the big difference is that we are now in a salary cap era, meaning every penny counts.

Sinfield will no doubt be one of our top earners (and rightly so), however, as I've said all along, if we were looking to improve our creativity from a playing roster perspective (obviously the coaching appointment also needs to be right), losing Sinfield and bringing in a meter eater of a loose, and an organising 7 could improve the team.

I completely agree, if we were looking to replace players, it should be with those of a better standard. My point would be that from a playing perspective, replacing Sinfields current ball playing skills wouldnt be overly difficult. His organisation of the team is possibly more difficult, but with a class 7 alongside Buderus/Mcshane at 9, this could be done.

I do feel we are in need of a big shake up. The team at the moment look flat, and I know there are a number of reasons for this. But, if we are looking to rebuild, and create a new culture, this is one viable option in my eyes - providing the right players are available of course.

You can have the best team spirit in the world but if you haven't got the quality it is wasted - you need high quality players to create a top team. You don't need a team full of them but you need your fair share.

The team were carrying Diskin - who was a pale shadow of the player he was in 2004 - maybe they realised a change was required? The best thing would have been for Diskin to go as soon as Buderus arrived - both playing 50% of each game was far more disruptive than the effect on the team dynamic. Diskin didn't hang around long after he pocketed his testimonial brass!!

First 10 years (1968/69 to 1977/7icon_cool.gif - 347
Second 10 years (1978/79 to 1987/8icon_cool.gif - 277
Final 2 years (1988/89 to 1989/90) - 1




Sounds dangerously like a potential argument for extending the contract of the current Leeds number 17? Rewarding loyalty and all that.

Thought I would raise the whole team spirit discussion again in light of the past few weeks performances.

People spoke on this thread about not breaking the spirit - to be honest the spirit that was within this 'unit' between 2003-2009 seems long gone. We are a team of petulant, spoilt brattish individuals! I seriously think it's time for fundemental change.

I spoke before about using Sinfield as a make weight for a top class half, and last nights performance backed up my thoughts on his skill levels. Watch the game and look at the quality of his basic pass selection and execution. The majority of his passes nowadays are slightly behind the man, or too high, too low, a hospital pass, or an interception. Get an organiser in at half, a meter eater at loose and let's have a proper shake up. I'm sick of seeing them sulk for giving away another needless penalty. And that is where Sinfield really winds me up... If he is the inspirational leader (as he has been in the past), he should be leading by examplw, not being one of the worst culprits!

Where is there any evidence that Jamie Mathiou wasn't a team player? I know Morley said that he went to the NRL to get away from him, but if anybody thought that was anything other than a joke, they are seriously deluded.

My own view is that team spirit makes a huge difference. The early Bamford team, team under David Ward and later Graham Murray are examples of 'teams' playing well above the sum of their collective parts. In some ways you could argue the same about Leeds in 2009. It won't make up for ability every time, but it does make a big difference. It does appear that team spirit is somewhat lacking this year.

I dont think this will be happening considering Saints have signed Mark Flanagan from West Tigers on a two year deal. www.superleague.co.uk/article/fl ... ints/22955

I dont think this will be happening considering Saints have signed Mark Flanagan from West Tigers on a two year deal. www.superleague.co.uk/article/fl ... ints/22955

If you think Sinfield is "one of the worst culprits" when it comes to giving away needless or petulant penalties then you clearly haven't been watching games as closely as you think.

Over the last couple of seasons he's been way at the back of a long queue behind the likes of Webb, Senior, Ablett, JJB and Peacock for starters.

He certainly questions plenty of decisions, but he does it as captain in a manner which most referees seem to find acceptable - and often for just long enough to enable the team to get its defensive line set behind him.

Can't remember the exact quote, but there's a piece in Barrie McDermott's autobiography detailing a training ground bust-up between the two which speaks about Mathiou in less than glowing tones.

Quote ="Frosties."I dont think this will be happening considering Saints have signed Mark Flanagan from West Tigers on a two year deal. www.superleague.co.uk/article/fl ... ints/22955'" Can't see a connection between the two personally. Flanagan's hardly been in the side this year apart from when injuries have struck, and according to reports in Australia Wests had already given permission for Heighington to speak with SL clubs some weeks ago.

Quote ="Frosties."I dont think this will be happening considering Saints have signed Mark Flanagan from West Tigers on a two year deal. www.superleague.co.uk/article/fl ... ints/22955'" Can't see a connection between the two personally. Flanagan's hardly been in the side this year apart from when injuries have struck, and according to reports in Australia Wests had already given permission for Heighington to speak with SL clubs some weeks ago.

Boe Ryan went on the footie show on Thursday and said he and Chris would not be leaving the Tigars and would be seeing out their respective contracts 1 year(Boe) 2 years(Chris)

He's staying at Wests according to last weeks RL papers. Leeds and KR were chasing him. It also said we've signed Griffin.

is The Footy Show on TV over here in the UK does anyone know?

I wish we'd sign Beau Ryan....comedy genius!

He is brilliant!

Indeed and it was confirmed at the 10 year anniversary dinner when both Barrie and Jamie were in attendance. Barrie spoke about their differences and how they have since patched them up.

"Doggies bro..."

Don't get me started, cuz!

If you've ever been to bankstown(which shouldn't really be on your day trip list) or taken a trip on the bankstown train or been to a doggies game the joke is even funnier.

Have you seen the skit walking in bankstown! Classic

Hieghington was offered 180k a year by the Rhinos but he's turned them down as he can earn more than that in oz due to the $. Very few quality Aussies will come over next season. Carl Webb is wanting 200k if he comes to SL.

Any guesses which quality NRL players might come over to ESL?
If the Rhinos were prepared to spend £180K on Hieghington then they have the funds to sign at least 1 quality player from the NRL

TBH I doubt there'll be any quality oz players coming for anything less than 200k a year now due to the £ to $ being so poor. They can earn loads more at home in OZ.

Would not pay Webb £200 never mind £200k

Serious question. How are you privy to Leeds contract offers, and what Aussie agents are after?

I agree the Aussie $ is strong but hieghington would not be on much more than that in Oz but it's probably more of a life style/playing at the top level decision.

Carl Webb 200k? I think that's a case of go in high if true. He is average at best these days

The big thing with the NRL players will be the salary cap increase which will imo just about finish off any real chance of signing top quality players from that comp.

The answer to that is he isn't - he gets that from internet chat rooms like this i.e. idle gossip