Not as much of a joke as Handley or Fusitu'a playing in the centres or full back.

I would imagine he would be just on the edge of what we'd be willing to play for a marquee player. Roundabout 200 to 250k. The question is, would he be value for that? I don't see a lot of NRL nowadays but my recollection is that of a running half rather than an organiser. He's got 170 odd NRL games on the board so anybody who thinks he isn't good enough for SL is crackers. At 29 (next year) he'd be unlikely to want to skip back to OZ at the first opportunity. These marquee type signings are always a risk, but if we are going to roll the dice, I'd rather do it on a half than a prop forward.

Let's hope Rohan is as cut throat at the end of this season. Tetevano and Fusitua need to be sent packing. Terrible signings for the wedge they will be both on.

Brooks might work with Sezer for the reasons Arthur states - he's a runner not an organiser. He's a good support player and quick. What you very rarely see him do is deliver a killer pass, or set up tries from kicks, which is why I'm not that impressed with him most of the time (also why I stopped backing Widdopp when he was still at the Dragons). I'm not sure he'd work as well with Austin, and I don't think the 6/7 numbering matters much.



Anyway, despite his limitations I'd far rather him than Milford, whose next stop is almost certainly SL. From looking like a generational talent to an overweight hack in less than five years, and looks done at just 28.



Like you say, we have to take a punt to move forward, and far rather spend big on a playmaker than our current marquees, who must be the least effective in the comp. The main issue isn't even the salary, but more the length of contract needed to get someone like Brooks. I'd guess 4 years minimum, which is the bigger risk.

Why are we robbing Peter to pay Paul switching players around out of position what next Lisone to wing !

Another Olpherts masterclass this week and I'd certainly consider it..

How long is Handley out for?

At least another few weeks according to Smith

Smiths theory preseason was to run players in alternate positions to safeguard against the worst injury eventualities. 2 problems with it being, i think the stage of development of this squad under smith that the basics (players in their majority positions) were the priority, and 2nd that im not sure what a couple of games in preseason would mean to the benefit of say Gannon needing to go in to the halves halfway through the season. I hope smiths long term vision stands that test of time and the squad has longevity because of his approach, otherwise we may see a different one taken next preseason.

Clearly a man of ideas. How many of them are good ones has yet to be confirmed.

Yes agree Arthur. He set up a belter of a try at the weekend, sliced the opponents apart with great footwork and pace then laid off a beauty of a pass. He'd light up SL if he is keen to play here.

Leemings transfer to Gold Cost is now agree. Leeds have caved in and no fee payable (according to Peter Smith).

Sounds sensible. Cap space and unhappy player out, is worth more to us than a fee….

Leemings forced it, but I wish him well.

According to Leeds Live there are 3 clubs involved in a bidding war!

Not sure what choice Leeds had. Better to let him go now. They may have held out if he wasn't going to the NRL, but not that much point really.

If Hodgson can be successful in the NRL, I see no reason why Leeming can't do OK

He will soon be dropped to the reserves when he runs it in on the 5th on three consecutive sets.

If we aren't able to bring anyone in for a while, I'd have held out for a fee personally. We need the money given the huge losses in recent years. He's a good age, has England potential (show's how bad we are, but still you get the point... ) surely we should be getting something.

I hope he goes OK the more players we have in the NRL the better IMO.



I think the only issue he might have is exactly the same one he's having in the Rhinos side, Players like Hodgson have gone well because they do the basics very well, which is pretty much the opposite of what Leeming does, he'll have to work on his defence and his distribution to make a go of it IMO.

Not sure I'd say Hodgson does the basics well, he can't pass directly off the floor and his defence is no better than Leeming's

How many are going to go for nothing or very little Prior,Walker, Mellor, Broadbent,now Leeming the accountants must be spewing.

Weve let them go for nothing because our cap situation was in a mess and needed/needs sorting out.



Just like when some NRL clubs actually pay part of the players salary to get them off the books.



The SL salary cap is so small that it’s literally pointless having a big earner sat doing nothing if they want to leave

It's abit stupid letting him go for nothing,I'm sure if it was the other way around he would expect leeds to pay off his contract.



Not as if the NRL teams are poor and cant afford it.



That said,sounds like it's done and dusted,time to move on.



O'Connor os doing a job there and it will be interesting to see how he goes through the year,especially/ hopefully CJ putting in some good displays.



That said,our Spine looks bad.



FB and SO are knocking on and need quality replacements. Hooker is unknown atm but if we do get one it should be a top class player.



LF seems good but still questions on Sezar too

I was appalled when we let prior retire for free.

I think what everyone is failing to consider is that Smith inherited the OS quota of Tetevano, Sezer, Austin, Martin, Prior and Fusitu'a.



With the exception of Martin and possible Austin, im not sure the others would be his choice of OS quota.



Given Smith's form with Norths, there is nothing to say that a blend of young British talent combined with players that are playing NSW/QLD Cup - which is where MacDonald was - may be a smart way forward - Smith will know that market very well.



With the exception of Buderus and Leuleui (who was NSW Cup level), which big money NRL players have really been good value at Leeds in the last 10 years?