Thompson’s training with Saints whilst back in UK!

No suprise

Shaul joining Wakefield for rest of season does that free them up to try take Sutty for rest of season at least on loan ?

Think you'd still need to sign a centre. Can't imagine you'd let him go without anyone lined up

Can’t see that happening without a replace my and the gildart link seems to have died.

According to Matt Shaw Leeds Rhinos have completed the signing of Wigan Warriors forward James McDonnell for 2023 https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/rugb ... n-24554092

According to Matt Shaw Leeds Rhinos have completed the signing of Wigan Warriors forward James McDonnell for 2023 https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/rugb ... n-24554092

Never heard of him. Anygood?

Smith is clearly wanting to go for talented youngsters over older players from the NRL.



Good IMO.

I've seen him play a couple of games for Leigh on tv this season and he looked pretty good tbh.



In 2018 he played for England Academy v Australia Schoolboys in an illustrious looking squad that won the series 2-0.

He played in the back row in the first test alongside Sam Walters.



Rohan is clearly recruiting far younger players that he can develop rather than having older squad fillers

Sounds like Wigan either don't value him or need the cap space for abig signing.

Very similar size to Alex Mellor. Welcome to Leeds James, go well son.

Huddersfield Giants have lured the previously home sick Kevin Naiqama for 2023



Ricky Leutele must be leaving the Giants then?

IMO he's one of the best centre's in SL is he worth a punt?

Maybe if we had more than one quota spot but I think we’ve bigger gaps right now

Yes would be a massive signing for us, finally to have 2 quality centres…..

So who are we announcing tomorrow?

Why whats been said?

I’m half expecting something. Sharky64 was pretty certain that there would be incomings this week. The drawerbridge gets pulled up tomorrow evening for this year.

I'm not so sure, unless it's an announcement for next season I think smith will keep his powder dry for this year.

Heard a bit of noise earlier about interest in Ricky Leutele and James McDonnell from Wigan, young back row.



Both areas I think we need to strengthen if we can.

Sorry bit behind the curve here can see others have posted same info.



McDonnell got a really good try v. Catalan a year or two ago. Not seen much of him

We have apparently signed McDonnell for next year, I think that is a good bit of business.



No on Leutele from me, rather not sign a centre who counts on the quota and will be 33 in April next year.

He’s knocking on a bit and lost some pace but he’s class near the line both as a threat and getting his winger in.

See what happens.

I spoke to a mate of mine who is a Wire fan and said was surprised they let Cooper leave and thought Wigan had done well to get him and thought he would have been a good signing for Leeds. He was not that bothered and reckoned he is quite error prone now . He certainly had a nightmare tonight. Knock on, high tackle and then getting bumped off by Moo led to 3 tries. Only 1 game of course and he’s had no real chance to train with new team.

Tricky business, recruitment.

McDonnell certainly helps add depth and no doubt has ambition at his age. Probably won't be on a big wedge and means focus can go onto the prop situation.



I'm not bothered whether Sutcliffe stays or goes. It would be nice to have a real threat in the centres, but not at the expense of a quality prop. I don't see the point in replacing him with Leutele, who is 32.



Wire clearly have some issues with players vs coach. Powell has basically wiped out their entire front row, which no doubt has put some noses out of joint. Quite likely Cooper was one of the players with issues, so probably made sense for both parties for him to leave early.

I see Warrington have signed Matt Dufty with immediate effect. He's a super attacking player and should go really well in SL.

If we don't sign anyone for the remainder of the year, I'd question why we have let so many of the fringe squad members leave. Whilst they may not be in plans they do add some depth and options.

I suppose if any possible targets did materialise they needed the cap space to act immediately. Bit of a gamble but I think smith has a trust in a number of the 'squad' players and was willing to put that faith in them if a signing didn't come through.