I read somewere that he had put a fair bit of weight on, id imagine muscle because the size of union men these days is frightening but will it of effected his RL qualities id say possibley in the short term.

Just changing the subject slightly, but why has Leeds Academy and Reserves performed so poorly over the last few seasons when they have been strong since Dean Bell's arrival at the start of SL?

Quote: MattyB "Just changing the subject slightly, but why has Leeds Academy and Reserves performed so poorly over the last few seasons when they have been strong since Dean Bell's arrival at the start of SL?'" Ask the question here viewtopic.php?f=17&t=450523 They seem to be taking it quite well

Quote: MattyB "Just changing the subject slightly, but why has Leeds Academy and Reserves performed so poorly over the last few seasons when they have been strong since Dean Bell's arrival at the start of SL?'" Ask the question here viewtopic.php?f=17&t=450523 They seem to be taking it quite well

I suspect that its because so many of the "good ones" pretty much get fast tracked to the first team

The Academy produced a ridiculous amount of players around 2002-03 which culminated in the 2004 GF win - Mathers, Calderwood, Walker, McGuire, Burrow, Bailey, Diskin, Jones Buchanan - add Sinfield to the mix, and it was a fantastic return. All those players from 2004 who came through the academy, bar Calderwood and Walker, are still first team regulars, 6 years on. I think that part of the problem is that Leeds have spent so much money on the academy and its facilities, and have produced so many players that they can't even keep due to salary cap constraints, that the academy now must have taken on a totally different business model

There will be players at Leeds now that look like they couldmake it, and that maybe 5 years ago they will have persevered with over a couple of seasons, however now, due to salary cap restrictions, they just take a punt and let them go.

There will always be one or two players coming through, which is all that is required. Our "Old guard" are still maybe only averaging about 26, so thats all that is needed.

Ben Jones Bishop is probably going to be the next starlet, and Tom Bush has looked good in patches, but I doubt there will ever be a set of youngsters come through at any club like that Leeds class of 03-04. The salary cap won't allow it.

I'd swap Phelps for Webb, but not for Smith.

Some of the posting by you pies on this thread is frankly cringe worthy

If you dont like it stay on your own forum.

There is nothing more cringeworthy than you coming on here last week telling us you were going to beat us

Explain?

No more cringeworthy than you lot telling us finishing Top doesn't matter after 3 x years of telling us that finishing as high as possible in the league maximises your chances of winning things.

This year all we get is it's not how you do in the league, it's how you finish!

And the way you Leeds fans are offended because we're not interested in Lee Smith is frankly hilarious.

Why because were happy with the team we have and dont need him.

maybe you think were jealous ?

www.therhinos.co.uk/news/10575.php

www.therhinos.co.uk/news/10575.php

Can you imagine 'missing living in Leeds' ????

well its all done and dusted now no more speculation .

Must have deferred his payments for this season to fit him in. Isn't that against the spirit of the cap?