Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Fri Feb 05, 2021 4:29 pm  

Taupau... ? That would be some combo with Tet, Tommy and Mik. It's what we need - if we are serious about contending in WCCs again we need to be ambitious in the quality of player we have at Leeds. There is another level we need to get to, and our pack has the makings of greatness (I'm serious). That front row with Walters, Martin, Smith, Edwards/Gannon coming through and we would be very tough to handle down the middle. That then takes so much pressure off our halves and outside backs; and we have plenty of skill out wide.

We cannot win these big games consistently without a truly competitive pack, and we should be aiming to have the best one in SL - which means players in every position towards first grade NRL standard.

When we were in our pomp we were intimidating for other sides to play. I hate Leeds being a laughing stock.

If we had a rotation of 4 props like this it makes such a difference because there is no let-up in pressure. You bring the Tank down and you have big Mik charging at you. They go off and you have some horrible angry Maori getting into you. Every effort in D is a big one and these boys are making 8-10 metres per carry.

I think the club will be aiming to win things even this year, but as long as the pieces fall into place for 2022 I'm happy for us to continue building. Feeling pretty cocky about prospects after this year actually, whoever our new signings are.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Fri Feb 05, 2021 5:01 pm  

I have it on good authority that way back in 2018 was it? With the whole twitter thing with taupau and him liking a post regarding joining leeds and his wife commenting etc. Well Leeds have kept close ties with him and basically told him they would always have a place for him should he wish to play in SL (job lined up for his Mrs too)
We have a few overseas players OOC at end of year and I am told, but dont judge, that taupau is very interested but is keeping tabs on the covid situation.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Fri Feb 05, 2021 5:33 pm  

Is he still any good?

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Fri Feb 05, 2021 6:12 pm  

He met Kev and GH when he was over here with NZ a few years ago, and was given a tour around Headingley, so I wouldn't be surprised

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Fri Feb 05, 2021 6:44 pm  

Going to be very interesting in terms of who goes/comes in. One things for sure, if Taupau were to be signed somebody significant would have to depart. He's still a great player and would only be 32 next year. That said I think stand off is where we should spend big. Is Lui definitely off contract at the end of the year? Players list on this site says 2022.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Fri Feb 05, 2021 7:50 pm  

I'd take Marty Taupau for 2022 without a doubt as he would certainly make our pack very formidable.
I would rather sign him than an overseas 6 for 2022 and keep the half backs that we have currently, as I've seen plenty of good half backs look world beaters behind a dominant pack

I've also seen world class half backs look totally ominous in games whist playing in a side getting battered in the forwards.

Signing an overseas 6 doesn't always bring you what you wish for either and even when they're taking up the marquee salary

How much money have Warrington spunked on half backs over the past seasons without reaping any rewards?

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Fri Feb 05, 2021 8:09 pm  

Agree with that. Was thinking more of Connor at six and putting some of Lui's wage toward Tapau.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Fri Feb 05, 2021 8:17 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

Agree with that. Was thinking more of Connor at six and putting some of Lui's wage toward Tapau.

I'd take that too without a doubt

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Fri Feb 05, 2021 10:06 pm  

I noticed Gale specifically mentioned Levi Edwards in his interview today...

I do think we will need to sort 6 out before we’re really back again, but agree with others it’s a waste of money if your pack’s getting battered.

Connor - much will depend on how well he goes at FB for Hull this year. We could offer him SO if that’s where he wants to play. Not sure whether his temperament would fit us. Kev is building a hard working side who get on well together.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Fri Feb 05, 2021 10:51 pm  

KaeruJim wrote:

Caught a few tweets of his and they're not amazing for a role model player at a glamour club... little bit of growing up to do perhaps.

Exciting prospect though if he can keep his head in the right place. I'm going as far to say that this next generation coming through has the potential to be our best yet - although we will need to skilfully plug the gaps between these lads.

I reckon Holroyd is the best young prop I've seen at Leeds probably of anyone; Edwards is the best back row I've seen since Morley (different styles obviously); Newman is the best we've produced since Walker and Tindall is the best winger since Hall (needs to sort out his D though).

Walker, if he can stay fit, is our best FB since Lee Smith.

Most of these players have another 10 years ahead of them, with luck - it took the Goldens a while to mature as a team and this lot will be interesting in another few years.