Fair point well put,but in this case i think the ball is clearly pushed out in a 2 man tackle and it's happened to many seasoned pros and to identify it as a weakness in Watkins game is harsh imo and especially in this instance.

There's always two sides to these calls, such instances are open to interpretation and the referee (as in this instance) will often, correctly in my view, rule a loose carry. It's best to take the responsilbility for your own ball security, get your technique correct and not rely on a referee's call saving your blushes as often as not he won't.

Otherwise Watkins had a steady enough game as I commented last week and I'm only mentioning it now in relation to what I saw as a problem area for him last season. At this moment it's too early to tell if he's improved his concentration levels for 2010.

No player should be guaranteed a place in any team, except for Kevin Sinfield. I think BJB will retain the number 1 jersey for a while, especially after his display last Saturday. I expect he'll see more 1st team action down there than he would've here, even if Donald had not been retained. That is better for us and him.

Why do you think any of the excited teenagers you want to take Donalds' place would be any different to the excited teenage Watkins you didn't want played too much last year?

Why might that be? Do you think those that worked with him each and every day are in a better position to make a judgment of whether he sould've been used
Hull weren't that excited because as soon as their own wingers (wingers inferior to Donald) were fit he was out and they didn't make any great moves to get him this year. Why do you want to save Leeds contract money and a quota spot? What would they have done with that money and spot? Why not use it on a top class player for the first 17 like, say, Donald?
Well neither did much for Hulls trophy quest last year and I won't be getting carried away over their week 1 performance just as I won't be over ours.

Can you stop quoting Ramrod please. He's on my block list and I have no wish to read his guff.

What that coming over the hill is it a midget?

Dont know, I'm a good 6 feet away, I'll commit when he gets closer...................................

Watkins ball retention has been an issue in every game I have seen him play, if you don't think that you clearly haven't seen him play.

Don't get too comfortable, you'll have noted the Harlequins team for this afternoon then.



That might be because I judge each Academy prospect on their own merits and I hadn't seen the flaws in Broughton or Jones-Bishop's games that I had noted in Watkins appearances at centre early 2009. I expect young players to mature and they would all be a year older in 2010 which is where I was looking.



Yes I do believe that and often say so. They are in possession of all the relevant factors regarding a player's ability, temperament and suitability to the ethos of the club. Supporters have much, much less to make a judgement on.



Again there in the best position to make that judgement but looking in from the outside I noted that in 2009 they had Mark Calderwood, Gareth Raynor and Tom Briscoe on the register so wouldn't expect Broughton to make the seventeen when those three Internationally rated wingers were available.

Not forgetting that Broughton wasn't the only option Leeds had to replace Donald in the squad so it's not neccessary to focus too much attention on him.



Donald has pace and is a good finisher and benefits from playing with a Champion Super League club. I wouldn't rate him top class and when he leaves Leeds I think he will be comfortably replaced from within.



Briscoe spent most of the season sidelined with injury and Lauaki likewise only made it over for the back end of the season by which time Hull's season was long over.

I'm not getting carried away by one performance either as I'd already picked them to be a big success in SL when, let's be honest, most hadn't even heard of Lauaki and saw him as a desperate signing by Hull.

We were actually discussing a situation during the crusaders game which TVOC referred to as to highlight a perceived weakness in his game which in this instance i think was wrong and explained why.
As for seeing him play i have and like alot of new young players he has plenty of potential and plenty to improve on.
It's quite ironic that you say something with such conviction because your assessments of certain players last year were clearly made without seeing any of them play

You'll have noticed the score. Jones Bishop could've made all the difference.

Would you like to jinx any other players, first Richard Owen and now this.



Although some will get lucky in the short term, over the longer term there can be only one outcome.

Me and my big mouth!

If only I'd have sid something really flattering about Kirke. Kidding, I would never wish injury on any player.

I'd just like to apologise in advance to Mr Kirke for the season ending injury he is shortly to be struck down by..... chin up big fella at this difficult time.

For someone who is supposed to be living in the Middle East on a fat contract, one of the contributors to this thread sure as hell comes home a lot to use his Sky broadband.