I'd be really disappointed if Hardaker left. He'll be the best attacking full back in the league next year, in my not-so-very-humble opinion. That back 3, on paper, is the best we've had in the 24 or 25 years (arithmetic ain't my bag) I've been watching Leeds. Looking around the league, only Charnley and Monaghan leap to mind as competitors for those two as wingers, with maybe Broughton and Lineham having the potential to be if they have opportunities in teams that create enough chances.

Alongside a centre pairing that could go on to be right up there with the best we've had (and I'm going to go for the Innes and Iro partnership there), our backline is genuinely exciting. We really, really have to make sure we use it a bit better next year.

Is Bowen on a 1 year or 2year deal, Hardacker could make sense to Wigan, having cover FB with Hardacker taking the FB role as his own after or before Bowen departs the club. I heard that Leeds were open to interest on Hardacker, thoughts of NRL but nothing seems to be going on there so maybe some speculation with some possible interest from Wigan.....as you suggest salary cap wise I think they could offer Haracker a better contract than Leeds could or are doing......??? BJB then fits in for Leeds at FB

Time will tell, but this all seems very unlikely on the face of it. I could see him going to the NRL, but not to go and play second fiddle at Wigan.

Zak is very big on his mates, always having the lads round and having a laugh. Don't think he would move to Aus, and not even contemplate Wigan. He absolutely loves it at Leeds. I don't believe for one minute that Leeds or Zak would consider a move.

Good to see in an ever changing world some things remain constant. G1 and Bloodbath defending the below average Bailey.

To think we got rid of Amor and kept Bailey.

One of Zak's best mates is Josh Carnley - just saying.

No he isn't, Just saying like.

They may well have got close on tour for National sides. But they don't spend time normal week to week. Hardakers best mates are Ponte lads.

Funny enough though, I was just talking to one of his best mates this morning, considering these rumours. And he has confirmed that Zak is actually discussing new terms with Leeds, and has been for the past month, he want's more money. And yes, he has had words in his ear of how much he can earn elsewhere. Has no desire to leave at all, but as with a few of the Leeds players at the moment apparently, money is now more important than playing at Leeds, and it is not just Zak that is considering what's out there.

If you read my post it was more critical of you as opposed to defending Mr Bailey.

Who are the others and also considering the length of his current deal i'd the say club definately hold the cards with this one but i personally wouldn't be-grudge players of Hardakers ilk getting more money even if we have to release fringe players and ones no longer required i.e Moore & Kirke

I see yer point Gotcha but Eastwood ,Buderus & Innes all returned home down under plus we got a decent fee for Harris to switch codes iirc.
The Hardaker situation if there is one is more straight forward imo and is more easily resolved with the Club in more control than the player.

I still think many supporters dont understand how a contract works. Kirke signed a 2 year extension last season so has a deal till the end of 2015. He isnt just going to give up that money.

So looks like Zak didn't have a clause triggering an automatic pay rise when he got capped by England?

That said, the lad is the best out-and-out fullback in SL. Should be one of our top earners.

I would say he has a few ahead of him in the salary list currently so cannot seeing Leeds being able to hand out a large chunk of salary:

Sinfield
Peacock
McGuire
JJB
Burrows
Moon
Delaney
Briscoe
Watkins

So would say he is in the mid range for the salary at Leeds, especially as he signed a lengthly contract last year would suggest a yearly increase, plus possible england rep top up, although he is currently in the knights squad.

If he wants more money, then it might be more than rumours, would not be surprised if he went this year or next, Leeds have a strong pool of young talent and some high earning oldies so somewhere we have to expect a couple leaving us for a better deal.