Re: RD 11 | Catalan Dragons (A) : Mon May 13, 2024 2:23 pm  

Backwoodsman wrote:

Mediocrity is not acceptable for Leeds rhinos , probably one of the most iconic clubs in the league. The best ground in super league, with the best corporate and off field activities in the league. Not forgetting one of the biggest following in the league. Clutch of players coming through, not all of the stars in the youth set make the grade. It’s a big step up and some can’t handle it, so it would be a gamble to rely on that aspect of player recruitment.
Also I wouldn’t trust Smith to recognise any potential talent, looking at his track record so far. Hull should be a salutary warning as to what happens when you get several seasons of gentle decline. The decline stops and the club implodes. Looking over at Wigan ,Peet states he may be only looking at maybe one or two additions for next season as he has got the squad he wants. That shows what can be achieved with correct players recruitment and sound management. I was going to say wigan are one of our main rivals. Unfortunately they aren’t , seeing as we seemed to have fallen into regular mid table activities.

We all want Leeds to be winning again of course - we have disagreement among forum members on how to do it.

I don't actually think we need more than 2-3 new players next year to make a tilt for the title. Each of those players needs to be in a Croft bracket of quality though - there is no point us signing anyone who isn't capable of helping us win a title now, otherwise we're running to stay still.

Nicely, I wouldn't use Hull as the example, we have already been through that phase in my view. We very nearly got relegated not so long ago if you remember. We were awful (before RS). I'm confident the player roster is moving in the right direction, slowly but surely - I'm not so confident we're going to see much more than a top-half finish this year though. We'll see.

Re: RD 11 | Catalan Dragons (A) : Mon May 13, 2024 6:54 pm  

I dont have confidence in the theory that smith just needs 2-3 signings to mke a push for the top, the signings this year have been significant but there hasnt been even an incremental improvement (even when weve had a fit squad to choose from) a dozen games in and we havent seen the best form from big signings like croft and ackers. I heard some claim early in the season that we'll put some big scores on teams when the pitches firm up, i really dont know what they were watching to assert that.

Tomkins said on sky a few weeks ago about the strengths and weaknesses of Millar not ammounting to a top level full back and im afraid hes right. Much like the collective team and way of playing, theres moments of brilliance but theyre far outweighed by the errors.

Re: RD 11 | Catalan Dragons (A) : Mon May 13, 2024 7:58 pm  

Smith may well leave of his own volition but ill bet that there wont be a SL or NRL club jumping at the chance to appoint him (and his brand of rugby) as their head coach.

Re: RD 11 | Catalan Dragons (A) : Mon May 13, 2024 8:27 pm  

Smith’s signings have been a mixed bag, but not universally bad. I’m glad Ackers, Croft, McDonnell, Ruan, Hudson, Miller are at the club. Mom could grow on me.

If we make garbage signings next year there is no excuse and even my patience will go again.

I still say if we get that pack sorted once and for all, our back line is decent. There is better quality and breadth of young talent coming through now. I feel we have turned the corner, but we’re still behind where we should be.

Re: RD 11 | Catalan Dragons (A) : Tue May 14, 2024 7:17 am  

Is Hudson even likely to get a game this year? He was touted as the extra big man we needed.

Re: RD 11 | Catalan Dragons (A) : Tue May 14, 2024 9:17 am  

Once were Loiners wrote:

Is Hudson even likely to get a game this year? He was touted as the extra big man we needed.

Just said on another thread, but he's injured again (hamstring). If fit and in condition I think he could offer something off the bench this year but we'll have to see - he came to the game quite late. I'm not sure if he's contracted with us for 2025, I saw his name on a list of out-of-contract players.

Re: RD 11 | Catalan Dragons (A) : Tue May 14, 2024 1:53 pm  

I agree that possibly 2-3 signings could take us near, however, I believe it is 2-3 signings plus an astute coach who can get the best out of Oledzki, Holroyd, Ackers, Newman etc.

Re: RD 11 | Catalan Dragons (A) : Tue May 14, 2024 2:19 pm  

Well I think Oledski, Ackers and Newman have all been in good form so far this season, I'm not sure what more you're expecting? Holroyd has been disappointing in his development from being a young bull in the academy bossing the Aussie schoolboys around, but he needs to get and stay fit.

Think you'll see both Oledski and Ackers look better with another real high quality enforcer prop in the mix too.

As for the coach, you may or may not be right but that squad definitely looks undercooked for a proper tilt at the title to me regardless. We need to fix that for definite. The coach position will resolve itself in the end either way I'm sure.

Re: RD 11 | Catalan Dragons (A) : Tue May 14, 2024 3:10 pm  

KaeruJim wrote:

Well I think Oledski, Ackers and Newman have all been in good form so far this season, I'm not sure what more you're expecting?

Not sure I agree that Newman has been good this season.
One or two nice touches granted but overall I think considering he is an England International centre he has done nothing to suggest he will keep his place in the England 17 next time around.

Re: RD 11 | Catalan Dragons (A) : Tue May 14, 2024 3:22 pm  

On player form, with the new spine, it's clear we no longer know how to implement Cam Smith, who looks a bit lost to me this season.

Last year, despite over-playing at lot, was clearly out most influential player. Croft has been astonishing, given what he has to work with in terms of assists. He has no right to be top of the SL charts the way we've played.

Ackers has been average, again, probably due to the way we play and lack of domination.

There's too many players trying too hard when they play. Holroyd and Bentley are definitely in that mould, and Miller is the same. Miller for me needs to play the most simple game possible. Focus on good kick returns, playing the ball properly and being in good defensive positions. At the moment he's trying too hard to make something out of nothing and putting us under pressure.