Huge difference in value when you compare what he was with what he is now. The gamble is what he could be in the future.

With unlimited funds and no cap then it’s purely a financial risk but with the salary cap it’s a much greater risk if the costs are close to marquee level

And that's why it's be a no for me if we were interested.

Having dead salary on the cap would cause big issues.

He is a massive gamble, no doubt he would be a good player for whoever he signs for but, he won't come on the cheap and so is a big salary cap gamble IMO.

Despite being one of Leeds best players they don't think it's worth the gamble. He has been very unlucky with injury but hasn't come back the same unfortunately. Watkins of 3 years ago would be a no brainer for any side.

I wouldn't say a massive gamble. The fella is playing again and recovering form.
I'd say without a transfer fee, there could be a bargain.

What I mean is its likely anybody would have to pay him what he was worth and not what he is currently worth. There is quite a big performance gap in that. It's a gamble that he will get back to what he was, from an England fan point of view I really hope he does. I wouldn't exactly put my house on it though.

If he got back to 85%-90% of his best for...he'd still be international material.

I agree but would he still be worth 100% of a near marquee wage? That's what Leeds seem to have decided against. That said they need a lot of cap space to rebuild.

Yes. I don't think any centre or props and 2nd rowers should be expending the marquee allowance.

Agree, they would have to be incredibly special players.

Sam Burgess or SBW level.

Hmmm I look back over sides that have been successful and they have always had one of the best centres in the league, connoly senior newlove lyons gleeson. I also do jot think it's a coincidense so I would not be unhappy if we were to spend big on a centre.

Well the centre would have to be exceptional...
Lyons or a Davis...but these guys were enigma backs that would play that position like a classy half back.
The nearest in recent times was Chris Bridge...no coincidence there that our right edge was lethal.

But there again, the marquee money is still going on a key back playing as an outside back...

I can't think of any out and out centre in SL who would be ahead of Austin Widdop Clark or Ratchford in the marquee stakes....Kallum Watkins is way behind those 4.

Agreed.

Half back or full back will generally be where the marquee allowance gets spent, due to the scarcity of quality available. A good centre can be your most potent attacking threat however, so I would have no problem spending marquee on a centre, assuming Full Back, Half Back and Hooker were already of a good enough quality.

Prop forward is a position that is stacked with talent, so I would be reluctant to spend it there, 2nd Row also whilst a key position isn't so much a problem to recruit towards. Wing also I dont see the point of a marquee spot.

Burrell is past it is he? You've just declared yourself a Leigh fan on the Wigan board - which is it?