So, in summary, the "upside" of a nucleus of players being together for a long time is 5 titles in 8 seasons. The "downside" is posters on an internet messageboard having to discuss unsubstantiated rumours of player power.

FWIW, having witnessed what these players have done and can do and having my own views on Brian McDermott's tactics and approach I'll be firmly in the players camp.

Also, FWIW, I heard the same rumour Bullseye did about how the Webb situation has been handled and, if that rumour is true, then the coach, and only the coach, is entirely to blame for loosing a dressing room that backed him to the hilt through all the adversity last season, lets not forget.

I have no idea on the rumour. However, I do know for a fact that the coach wanted to replace Webb at the end of last season, but was told by the board no, and was even instructed to pick him.

I can not give any support to McDermott what so ever, as I think he is clueless and should not be in the job he is in. I however feel, he, and he alone (as with any coach) should decide who plays, and whom plays where.

For reasons stated if there has been an element of trouble the it needs sorting out quickly. GH has dealt with similar issues before and I'm sure that between GH and BMcD they are/will sort it out. I would think it wont put a stop to departures/arrivals as for commercial/businesss reasons the club has to sell 10000+ season tickets plus all the other commercial packages for next season.

Can you blame McDermott for wanting rid of Webb, his attitude this season has been abysmal

Clueless is going a bit too far. His record in 2 season suggest he's far from clueless. It's not untypical for a coach to want to build his own squad. He's had diddly squat cash for player investment yet has seen internationally known players leave the club. He's now seemingly having to deal with player power & a bunch of players that, whether they like it or not, are all going to be replaced within the next 2 to 3 years - whoever is coach

Keeping a happy dressing room in such circumstances will require some excellent diplomacy and top notch communication skills. McDermott is bound to have his favourites and I'd suggest Webb wasn't one of them. If the rumour is true then he's handled his departure badly. Of course this could all be cobblers but it'll be interesting to follow what happens when the season is over.

Whatever the outcome at the end of the season there's no doubt in my mind we need arrivals and some departures and i wouldn't shed atear if the coach was on the departure list.

1 - Who is on the Leeds' board?

2 - Who is instructing the head-coach which players to pick?

3 - What type of head-coach would allow such a thing to happen as it would presumably make his position untenable?

I agree and think changes will happen but not sure about change of coach.

Similar to what Senior had to say about how his departure was dealt with. Clearly brutal honesty is not what the players wanted to hear. When McD subbed Webb at Wakefield (after arguably his worst contribution to a Rhinos game!) it was clear they didn't see eye to eye. It has nothing to do with injury (in my opinion) why we haven't seen Webb since.

McDermott has his flaws to his coaching but i'm sorry i don't see him as a man being ordered around by player power and accepting it, and if he wanted to drop certain players he would be able to because GH is as big a fan of his than any other coach he's had at Headingley since he came in back in the 90's. Just remember back to the sounds of his mid-season questioning of the players and complete clearing of blame of McDermott and i can't see him forcing selections on him. Think it's wishful thinking on behalf of some Leeds fans hoping that McDermott secretly wishes to unleash a team full of new blood but is being held back at the moment. You only have to watch some of McDermott's interviews, especially after games to realise the likes of Sinfield, Peacock, JJB, Burrow and even previously Webb (before the Wakey game) are/were held in very high and genuine esteem by the coach and he pick's them because he wants to.

What players say on camera and behind closed door are very different often.

I have no sources of information but its perfectly possible that player power accounts for more of the performances than coaching.

I don't buy this guff about easy play-off run last year, but I could certainly see that a group of players who had successfully trod the path numerous times before could get themselves up to win a big game, whilst ignoring everything the coach tells them. Once the players are out there, there is only limited things that a coach can do.

Not saying its how it happened, but its certainly possible. A bad coach can be made to look very good by a great group of players

In terms of dropping/getting rid, McDermott's made the right call twice. Senior was not playing well at LC last year, Ablett came in and did really well. Webb was bad, Zak's been ace, Webb's rightly on the way out.

TBH if Webb hadn't been injured unsure if hardaker would have got his shot at FB.
But to be fair to McDermott when webb did return and make a hash of it he took him off and dropped him. Not mcdermotts biggest fan but like him or not think we will be stuck with him.
I would imagine he is there for a number of reasons, one of which is a cheap option. A new pitch doesn't pay for itself you know

I have been informed that Webby is fully fit to play "IF" selected, make of that what you will

After all the great service that Webb has given us, you can't really blame the club or coach for that matter in announcing his non selection and in such a fashion really can you?

The full story will come out when Webby writes his memoirs i guess