It probably says a lot about Kallum that he is willing to renegotiate the contract he had two years left to run.

I've said on our board already but I'm really torn on this. Current form, you don't want to be paying him mega bucks. However, it's a huge decision from Sinfield and the pressure is on to get the next couple of recruitment decisions (on and off the field) absolutely spot on or he is in the brown stuff.

A lot are drawing comparisons between the situation at Leeds now and the one in 03-04. Junior ranks seem stacked with talent but we need some of the senior players to move on in order for them to get a shot. Don't get me wrong, Watkins would've been way down my list of players to get rid of but I would guess the final 2 years of his deal would've taken up a fair old wedge of cap space and we're desperate for a half back. Fingers crossed we manage to keep Hurrell and Newman fit next year and spend the money on a top half.

I'm not surprised Watkins fell on his sword as he seems like a good guy who would help his team out but I hope he got a good deal out of it as he's just thrown a big money contract away he may not be able to replace.

I'd be very surprised if he didn't already have something wrapped up. Be very brave/foolish to walk away without something at least.

Was listening to an agent last week who reckons Watkins was offered big money deals by several clubs a few years back but turned them all down to stay at Leeds on less money. He reckons over his career, it's probably cost Kallum in excess of £1 million in his back pocket. Now that could well be agent hyperbole but it would appear money isn't his number 1 motivator- at least it hasn't been in the past anyway... Given his injury, I couldn't blame him if this has changed. It's a short career and a long injury just makes that even more obvious.

You don't mind taking less money when things are going swimmingly and you're taking all the big prizes but I dare suggest that's not the case when league positions start to slip as they have at Headingley.

I agree. I'm think it will be harder to take if new people come in who are on more than you.
I'm assuming taking less still meant he was a top earner at Leeds but once that policy slips I reckon it might focus his mind a little.

He still has a lot to offer a top club.

Cas are looking to replace Shenton due to his age. This might be an option for him. Toronto will clearly be another.

The easy link is Watkins and McDermott for definite but I really rate Chase Stanley and Ricky Leutele. Castleford could be a good shout

In all honesty, Watkins has probably been the worst centre I have seen in the league this season, purely based on the 4 or 5 performances I have seen from him, his performances against us earlier this season was embarrassing for a professional. That said he has just come back from a major knee injury and you have to show some patience with that, it`s a risk for any club that takes him, if he could recapture his pre injury form then he would be a great signing for a SL club, if he this is as good as it gets he would do okay at a mid championship side - That really is the difference for me.

On a different note, personally hope he is doing okay and Leeds have gone about this the right way and are offering him plenty of support, I have read his partners blogs and she talks in depth about just how much he suffers with his mental illness.

Watkins has been back a while and has nowhere near regained his form. I hope he does (edit not against us lol in general) as regardless of club, we want high quality players in Rugby League. It shows how well Tom did to regain top form so quick and how hard it can be.

Im hoping we can get settled again for this game. Still plenty of talent to come back into the side but what we have available should be enough to see off Leeds. Another week back in training and into the legs of Brough.

I'd go

Rocky

Bish
Lyne
Sau
Kershaw

Brough
Miller

Kopczak
Wood
England
Ashurst
Batch
Talinoa

Fifita
Hirst
Randell
Crowther

I'd go with that as well but, I'm not sure Fifita will be ready.
Although he was walking unaided, at Saints on Saturday, he didn't look like someone who was ready (or almost ready) to play.

I'd love to be wrong and if he's anywhere near ready, this is a big game and one that we need to win to keep in touch with the other play off contenders.

No MCB? He was only missing for a stomach bug.
Also Croft to think about.

Glad we have options.

Was thinking the same MCB plays for me.

Also, I would be tempted to go with Croft over Sau but I don`t think CC will. Is this the last week we have Sau? I wonder if the deal will be extended.

Fifita will play on Friday.