Fairly quiet off season to come by the looks of it. Reckon we'll keep Martin so the only quota spot we're likely to free up that comes with a fair chunk of salary is Fusitua. Donno and Olpherts move on, I'm guessing. Might boil down to signing either a top notch prop or good winger but maybe not both.

There is some logic to Olpherts and Fus out replaced by one better/more consistent quota winger.

If Martin leaves we should replace with a more physical second rower. McDonnell is looking bigger this year to be fair but I think we need a different type of player to make that pack more formidable.

Maybe to some extent it wouldn’t matter whether we get another prop or second row, as long as it’s a high quality player. We could probably work around either option.

Definitely feels like we’re in an era of fine tuning now which is great. Croft makes such a difference to us.

Quote: YosemiteSam "Doesn't miss many (any?) games either. Massive asset to the team. If he's sorted out back home from 2025 then fair enough.'" Just on that point, there is that game time limitation that was brought in that's still flying under most radars at this early stage of the season. At some point players like Rhyse will end up missing games, or at least will have their minutes curtailed https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/ex ... -from-2024

Quote: YosemiteSam "Doesn't miss many (any?) games either. Massive asset to the team. If he's sorted out back home from 2025 then fair enough.'" Just on that point, there is that game time limitation that was brought in that's still flying under most radars at this early stage of the season. At some point players like Rhyse will end up missing games, or at least will have their minutes curtailed https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/ex ... -from-2024

Olpherts officially gone

Olpherts gone to Wakey. Permanently by the looks.

Olpherts has gone to Wakey permanently. Let's hope that this is another signal that we won't be signing or retaining players below the required standard any longer.

Was worried we'd sign him.

With Olpherts gone and hopefully Donaldson and Fusitua moving on, maybe Martin if we can't keep him from NRL that should give enough cash and QS for the prop we need and then whichever prospect looks best for a strong backrower or top grade winger then the usual upgrades

2024
James Donaldson - time to let go and replace with Tom Nicholson-Watton or Ben Littlewood.
David Fusitua - again with only two overseas quota spots available, I’d be letting Fusitua go home.
Corey Johnson - all goes with how his loan deal goes at Bradford, but I’d be surprised if we see him in the first team again.
Rhyse Martin - would love him to have at least another season at Leeds, but I think he will go home.
Tom Nicholson-Watton - fully expect new contract for him as he’s done very well and looks a good prospect.
Luis Roberts - expect him to sign a new deal and perhaps cement the #2 spot for next season, if we don’t go big.

Roberts has limits but he’s also a big and mobile thing and lots of time to develop.

We have a ton of competition for outside back spots.

I am not a big fan of Robert’s ,in his defence he has had very little quality ball this season. So hasn’t had much chance to demonstrate his running and try scoring ability. Smith is on record saying strengthening the squad will be from within the club. Laudable if the quality within the club is decent.

Just don’t see anything beyond a decent utility back up in Roberts. No obvious pace, doesn't make many yards, so so under the high ball. He's got time on his side, but if we ever want to be top dogs again we are going to have to aim for better as a first choice winger or centre.

Agree but he will be a big thing in a few years. Utility/reserve back more than likely though - I expect several others from academy to come past him.

I'd be very shocked if we went with Roberts as starting winger next year. He's not done much wrong, but he's a centre playing wing and doesn't really offer pace or power. I don't see a super league player in him to be honest.