Initially I was very much "here we go again " when I read this however when you think about it a 2 year contract would actually make a lot of sense dependent on how the cap numbers stack up. Leeds desperately lack leaders and if Watkins came in would expect him to be made club captain. As a club trained player he could be marquee only counting 50k to the cap. I supposed the issue is who currently is that club trained marquee and what their salary is on the cap. Probably Newman or Handley.
Watkins could definitely offer the same as Martin minus the goalkicking on a 2 year contract in that hes a running back row who can cover centre. Would say he as quick as both our centres as well. The key is if we have enough cap left for 2 props.

No, Leeds are actually ahead of the game. Wait for the RFL to announce the 2025 Super Masters League!

You're right - I can see the link making some sense because of cap dispensation.

Problem is, are we building a side capable of being the best in the league, or just trying to be a little bit less crap...?

Pangai Jr to Catalans 2025 he's exactly what we need but not in the race again.

Excellent point.

We had leaders. Multiple grand final winning leaders. We then shipped them out to accommodate ‘leaders’ like Merrin and Hurrell. Big mistake…. We are now trying to turn back time….!

anyone actually think watkins would leave his hometown club at this stage of his career???

If we're going down the route of ex-players I'd get Hardaker back. One of the best defensive full backs I've seen, more dangerous in attack than half of our 3/4s, doesn't get injured often just he can be a bit of a div. Not sure if he's moved over there but would be closer to home.

Personally ex player wise I'd go for Rob Mulhern and Owen Trout.

Both now experienced SL props, playing well, and would only put 100k on the cap combined.

Not sure why we struggle to develop props but they go on to look good elsewhere. Although, maybe we tend to see the good things other team's players do and dwell on the errors ours make?

Sounds fishy to me.

I’m a new user on here. I’ve followed Leeds since the 70’s and I’ve been following this site for a good while. My viewpoint is that I can’t recall any team who make so many changes in one go as we did in the last off season, being successful the following year, particularly when you change the whole spine. I completely agree with the over-riding consensus on here that our pack needs size and more aggression. My username mentions 2 players who fit that profile back in the day. We need to sort that element of our squad to give the backs the platform to play. Can I point out we beat Wigan 2 years in a row at Wigan in the playoffs not so long ago and they were dire. Fast forward a couple of years and managed correctly, look what can happen. Ian Blease has been brought in for a reason and I fully back him to turn things around.

Very wise post, glad you feel happy to contribute on here Mr Blease…

Not a chance, we didnt treat him properly on his way out, we heaped a load of pressure on him as Captain when he wasnt ready mentally or physically it all just sounds like a made up rumour as were in the market for players.