Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Wed Mar 06, 2024 8:47 pm  

KaeruJim wrote:

Long way out but which three positions would you recruit in?

Prop, second row, wing.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:46 pm  

It's pretty early to be talking about 2025 squad and lots can and will happen between now and then but I'll hazard a guess.

2025 gains- New winger, New prop

2025 losses- D.Fusitu'a, R.Martin, D.Olpherts, J.Donaldson, C.Johnson

Hopefully everyone who is contracted for beyond this season is nice and settled and stays put, I only think we'll resign Luis Roberts from the players that are out of contract at end of this season. I can see Fusitu'a & Martin going back to Oz both will probably get one last NRL deal somewhere and Olpherts will probably drift off to somewhere in UK championship more than likely same with Donaldson but wouldn't be be shocked if Donno retired and can see Johnson getting a permanent deal with Bradford.

FB- L.Miller, A.Edgell

W- New winger (Tom Davies just a guess), A.Handley, L.Roberts, R.Lumb, N.Mccormack

C- H.Newman, P.Momirovski, M.Simpson, J.Smith

HB- B.Croft, M.Frawley, J.Sinfield, F.Mccormack

P- M.Oledzki, T.Holroyd, S.Lisone, J.Sangare, M.Goudemond, K.Hudson, T.Nicholson- Watton, New prop (from NRL)

H- A.Ackers, J.O'Connor,

SR- J.Bentley, J.Mcdonnell, L.Ruan, M.Gannon

LF- C.Smith


That's a squad of 30 like I say lots will change from now and next season but just what I think the club will be looking to do.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Wed Mar 06, 2024 10:05 pm  

We might need to give Smith or Simpson their break on the wing for a year or two. Both very good prospects.

Wing would be my last priority after 2nd row and prop; it does depend who’s available though. Martin might still stay of course.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sat Mar 09, 2024 9:21 am  

Martin well worth another year imo.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:33 pm  

I wouldn’t be upset if he extended or left. His value as a kicker and fairly pacy back rower is great; he lacks some punch for a forward though.

I guess it will depend on what kind of opportunity he might be offered in NRL and how settled he is at Leeds.

We do need to provide pathways for talent coming through, and there’s a lot of skill to the timing of letting senior players go. Too often in the past we’ve retained seniors 1-3 years beyond their shelf life.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:47 pm  

Crazy that people would be happy for Martin to leave, plays 80mins every week, solid reliable player, barely injured or banned, goal kicker. Yeah he’s not a flashy bulldozing back rower but he’s very valuable to the team

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:59 pm  

I dont think many want him to leave, just acknowledge that if he wants to go NRL with new team we can't do much about it.

Hes also just gone 31 so will want 2-3 year deal for his last one. Would that be a good decision when we have lots of young back rowers and shortages elsewhere?.

If we can get a prop and winger of high quality and keep Martin for two years I would.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sat Mar 09, 2024 2:56 pm  

It all comes down to if Martin can be replaced with a better player either internally or externally. If someone like O'Donnel at Leigh is an option, then we should always try to upgrade the squad if possible. But I definitely wouldn't mind keeping him.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:00 am  

Don’t know why some fans are happy to let Martin go, he is and as been a quality overseas signing and one of the best goal kickers in the world. Any replacement needs to be very high quility and just as good a kicker unless we have other kickers in the squad, who else in current squad is a noted goal kicker?

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Mar 10, 2024 11:29 am  

We all recognise Martin is a good player, and he was excellent second half against Leigh after they’d riled him up.

As a forward he does lack size and whack though, which puts more pressure on the “middles” at times. He gives decent skill especially from the boot, and a good turn of pace. Like I said if he stays then fine; not on a 3 year though for me.

It comes down to money too and what salary he’d want versus any offers elsewhere.