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.

I never really expected Handley to make it, who I think was also a centre, so who knows with Roberts he may come good! Like when Hall left and Handley got the number 5, it could be a case of opportunity for Roberts or another young player if Fus leaves (which he should).
One thing Handley did show though is he's fast when in full flight. I don't think he's got the same off the mark speed as a Field or French, but his over long range is awesome. Not seen anything like that in Roberts so far...

I'd hope we are aspiring to bigger things than "big things". I've got nothing against him and I think he's doing well in a difficult situation, but Leeds has such a rich history of wingers - Harris, Atkinson, Smith, Grothe, Bai, Donald, Hall etc - I just think we need to get someone who can put bums on seats and then get them out of them.

That's 7 named over the last 40 years, I know there's been others, such as ET, Bentley, but there has also been a lot of Meh players and I include Franny in that. The rich history of wingers is a bit overstated.

Agreed some brilliant wingers in that list. Mostly they had high skilled centres to give them the ball at the right time. Syd Hines was a proper wingers . The modern game rightly or wrongly has changed, not so much emphasis on getting quick ball to the wingers. If you recall Moon, he was a class act also Senior ,both these two gave the wingers the ball at the right time.

Well Eric Harris (and Fred) are going back the best part of century, but I rattled them off without even thinking. Check your record books and you'll find we had plenty, especially when we won things.

We’ve also had squad fillers even in successful side too though haven’t we? You can’t have worldies in every position especially in salary cap world.

Roberts is only just about 22 he’s not far off academy age really; like I said can see him being a squad player but he’ll have his work cut out to retain a place in the 17 going forward.

Don’t think we have worldies in that many positions. Pace or serious power are prerequisites at wing for me. Roberts not long term answer, but we can’t carry Fus anymore either…..

Fwiw, I think there was a decent player in Olpherts, but complete loss of form and confidence/injuries did for him….

Olpherts is almost the perfect physical profile for an outside back, and the kind that we rarely produce in this country. 6'3, powerful and quick, you'd think he'd be a star. Unfortunately, his hands are made of concrete.

Olpherts is no where near 6’3.