: Tue Aug 04, 2009 8:23 am  

Tony Soprano wrote:

Can GH do anything to keep Leeds fans happy?

Yes, he can put together a squad and coaching staff that will give 100% for 80 mins each game.

The issue here is that we have a difference of opinion in what is "important". To some its winning at all costs, to others only the CC / GF is important. To me, performing to the best of their collective ability is important.

: Tue Aug 04, 2009 8:49 am  

Tony Soprano wrote:

Can GH do anything to keep Leeds fans happy?

Him giving us a rendition of "Wuthering Heights" by Kate Bush at half time would do for me. He has to get the high notes right though. And wear a flowing white robe.

: Tue Aug 04, 2009 8:50 am  

The depressing thing is that we are signing an overseas player who is clearly not or nowhere near real star status. Why? Because right now he is pervceived to offer more than any other available UK born centre. This may or may not be true and I am sure we'll all give him our support when he does get here (visa permitting). What it tells me and here I agree fully with Brisbane Rhino is that we have a dearth of quality in the backs here in Britain.

: Tue Aug 04, 2009 8:52 am  

Tony Soprano wrote:

Can GH do anything to keep Leeds fans happy?

Yeah. From now on in he should 'poll' the fans on any future signings with anyone with less than a 66% approval rating being cast aside and labeled as a money grabbing aussie journeyman.

I'm actually quite interested in how some of the peeps on here have already formed an opinion on the lad - You can hear it now, 'Who have we signed? Never heard of him. Must be naff'. Imagine if that's how Bluey reacted to GH's shopping sprees? Maybe, just maybe they've seen something they like in this lad, and reckon he can do a job that the likes of Ratu/Watkins aren't capable of just yet....

I don't think you need to show blind faith to the cause at all times, but a little bit of belief in the coaching & management team doesn't hurt....

: Tue Aug 04, 2009 8:57 am  

Highbury Rhino wrote:

The depressing thing is that we are signing an overseas player who is clearly not or nowhere near real star status.

You make some good points. But I wonder if the Aussie fans thought like this when they signed the likes of Tansey/Mathers/Sibbit/Mason?

I'm as proud as anyone about the 'home-grown' aspect of the current Leeds crop - But talent is talent, whether or not it's potential or realised - and if Delaney can do a job whilst Watkins & Ratu continue to develop, that's no bad thing. It's keeping one eye on the future, as well as today.

(if he turns out to be naff - nothing ventured, nothing gained)

: Tue Aug 04, 2009 9:05 am  

Highbury Rhino wrote:

The depressing thing is that we are signing an overseas player who is clearly not or nowhere near real star status. Why? Because right now he is pervceived to offer more than any other available UK born centre. This may or may not be true and I am sure we'll all give him our support when he does get here (visa permitting). What it tells me and here I agree fully with Brisbane Rhino is that we have a dearth of quality in the backs here in Britain.

Also the salary cap and squad balance as i've posted above. We're at least 1 good forward light so cap money has to be spent wisely...

I agree with the lack quality in the backs in this country, but i think in seasons to come it will improve as clubs will be forced to give youth a chance when the cap bites.

: Tue Aug 04, 2009 9:11 am  

I have no opinion on the signing (other than one was needed) or the player in question as he's flown under my limited NRL radar but it's interesting to read the comments of our two resident Pommie Ockers who have seen him play.

: Tue Aug 04, 2009 9:16 am  

rpw wrote:

It's ok saying that but there's the small matter of the cap and balancing the rest of the team

Finally someone hits the nail on the head!

There's some real dumb posts on this thread. The idea that you only sign superstar overseas players and develop the rest of the squad is all well and good but fails to take the cap into account. Just think how much of our cap is taken up by homegrown players...Sinfield, McGuire, Burrow, Diskin, JJB, Bailey, Ablett, Hall, Burgess (do I need to keep going).

External signings (whether overseas or from the the UK) have to fill gaps in the squad (with the youth system providing the bulk of the squad)- in some cases that will be as marquee player who adds match winning ability, in others it will be by offering a dependable, experienced and value-for-money player.

It's pretty clear that Delaney is in the latter category but he's young and should be a useful addition.

: Tue Aug 04, 2009 9:22 am  

Vic Mackey wrote:

Finally someone hits the nail on the head!

There's some real dumb posts on this thread. The idea that you only sign superstar overseas players and develop the rest of the squad is all well and good but fails to take the cap into account. Just think how much of our cap is taken up by homegrown players...Sinfield, McGuire, Burrow, Diskin, JJB, Bailey, Ablett, Hall, Burgess (do I need to keep going).

External signings (whether overseas or from the the UK) have to fill gaps in the squad (with the youth system providing the bulk of the squad)- in some cases that will be as marquee player who adds match winning ability, in others it will be by offering a dependable, experienced and value-for-money player.

It's pretty clear that Delaney is in the latter category but he's young and should be a useful addition.

Whilst I dont dissagree with your general comments, your post is just as dumb.

Our CEO has constantly told us we have space on the cap for another top signing. This before the Eastwood situation. We have now lost Smith from that Cap, and reduced contracts for Donald, Kylie, Peacock and Senior.

Cap is not part of the thinking here, that is categorically clear, unless there is other signings besides this one.

: Tue Aug 04, 2009 9:24 am  

Gotcha wrote:

Whilst I dont dissagree with your general comments, your post is just as dumb.

Our CEO has constantly told us we have space on the cap for another top signing. This before the Eastwood situation. We have now lost Smith from that Cap, and reduced contracts for Donald, Kylie, Peacock and Senior.

Cap is not part of the thinking here, that is categorically clear, unless there is other signings besides this one.

The cap is never "not part of the thinking" when recruiting a player or renewing a contract