Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Fri Jul 21, 2023 8:25 am  

YosemiteSam wrote:

There's a number of issues to consider here. Moving to the other side of the world isn't for everyone, neither is leaving the lifestyle you're used to / accustomed to etc. Family commitments may mean a move is impractical too. However, most if not all of these issues can be overcome if the right money is on offer and this is the elephant in the room. As long as the SL cap is the poor relation (by some distance) of that in the NRL then even a back up, squad role in the NRL will 9/10 trump a move here. Raising the cap isn't a silver bullet, of course, but it's an essential step.

All that is true, but yet it's hard to avoid the impression that not only do Leeds lag behind the NRL, we also lag behind the top clubs in SL. Saints lose Lussick and manage to instantaneously land a player who is an upgrade on paper at least. They've also reputedly signed Clark from Wire for next year. Catalans have reputedly signed Fages, Satae and Peachey. Wigan have already been on a well publized signing spree. Wire have signed Fitzgibbon and you can bet there will be more to come. Where are we in all this? The players we are linked with quickly discover reasons not to come and we are in the middle of a public "stay/go" pantomime with Blake Austin. At this stage it's hard to feel confident about having a better side next year. Given the cap space we should have available, that is a very gloomy prospect.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Fri Jul 21, 2023 8:29 am  

Perfectly summed up Arthur.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Fri Jul 21, 2023 8:44 am  

ArthurClues wrote:

All that is true, but yet it's hard to avoid the impression that not only do Leeds lag behind the NRL, we also lag behind the top clubs in SL. Saints lose Lussick and manage to instantaneously land a player who is an upgrade on paper at least. They've also reputedly signed Clark from Wire for next year. Catalans have reputedly signed Fages, Satae and Peachey. Wigan have already been on a well publized signing spree. Wire have signed Fitzgibbon and you can bet there will be more to come. Where are we in all this? The players we are linked with quickly discover reasons not to come and we are in the middle of a public "stay/go" pantomime with Blake Austin. At this stage it's hard to feel confident about having a better side next year. Given the cap space we should have available, that is a very gloomy prospect.

Fair points all. I'd just say that we (or certainly I, anyway) have no idea who we may have signed for next season. I understand their stance on announcements, but the reality is that the perception will be that it's no one, given other clubs making their business known. We may well, of course, have things very much in hand, with the lack of news being for all sorts of contractual reasons. That doesn't help will the general perception of lack of business though.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Fri Jul 21, 2023 9:15 am  

ArthurClues wrote:

All that is true, but yet it's hard to avoid the impression that not only do Leeds lag behind the NRL, we also lag behind the top clubs in SL. Saints lose Lussick and manage to instantaneously land a player who is an upgrade on paper at least. They've also reputedly signed Clark from Wire for next year. Catalans have reputedly signed Fages, Satae and Peachey. Wigan have already been on a well publized signing spree. Wire have signed Fitzgibbon and you can bet there will be more to come. Where are we in all this? The players we are linked with quickly discover reasons not to come and we are in the middle of a public "stay/go" pantomime with Blake Austin. At this stage it's hard to feel confident about having a better side next year. Given the cap space we should have available, that is a very gloomy prospect.

How do you know these "linked" players are actually viable options or just paper talk?

I could go on twitter and start a rumour and the RL journos would be all over it.

Its July, theres around 3 monthsleft of the season, we should be focusing on this year and if signings get announced that's a bonus, if no signings are announced by November, thats when I'd be worried.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Fri Jul 21, 2023 9:25 am  

YosemiteSam wrote:

There's a number of issues to consider here. Moving to the other side of the world isn't for everyone, neither is leaving the lifestyle you're used to / accustomed to etc. Family commitments may mean a move is impractical too. However, most if not all of these issues can be overcome if the right money is on offer and this is the elephant in the room. As long as the SL cap is the poor relation (by some distance) of that in the NRL then even a back up, squad role in the NRL will 9/10 trump a move here. Raising the cap isn't a silver bullet, of course, but it's an essential step.

Some people just don't want to move to the other side of the world, its not something I would consider, especially with a young family. Just like you get English players that have openly turned down the chance to go to the NRL.

If you're a young fringe player and your dream has always to play NRL, you're more likely to stay and fight for your chance.

We could easily sign some random Aussies for next year, its finding the right player. I'd rather the club take their time finding the right players than just signing anyone to please impatient fans.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Fri Jul 21, 2023 9:29 am  

leedsbarmyarmy wrote:

How do you know these "linked" players are actually viable options or just paper talk?

I could go on twitter and start a rumour and the RL journos would be all over it.

Its July, theres around 3 monthsleft of the season, we should be focusing on this year and if signings get announced that's a bonus, if no signings are announced by November, thats when I'd be worried.

I'm a season ticket holder and travel to the vast majority of away games. I'm focused on, but not optimistic about this season. I also like to look ahead. You can dismiss some of these rumours but certainly not all. Danny Levi definitely had the ring of truth about it - you only had to see Rohan’s face when asked. My point is other clubs are getting on with it and getting it done. For whatever reason we seem to wait a lot longer. Fair enough, but how has that worked out for us over the last half dozen years?

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Fri Jul 21, 2023 9:37 am  

Is there a list somewhere of confirmed signings/retention/extensions from each club?

I'd bet we're not lagging behind at all or at least not by the distance people are saying.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Fri Jul 21, 2023 9:42 am  

ArthurClues wrote:

My point is other clubs are getting on with it and getting it done. For whatever reason we seem to wait a lot longer. Fair enough, but how has that worked out for us over the last half dozen years?

So you've just said that you believe the Levi rumour to be true, and to be fair it does sound like it could be, is that not Leeds doing things?

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Fri Jul 21, 2023 9:44 am  

christopher wrote:

Is there a list somewhere of confirmed signings/retention/extensions from each club?

I'd bet we're not lagging behind at all or at least not by the distance people are saying.

I dont think Saints have announced theirs have they? Clark definitely hasnt been announced, Fages to Catalan hasnt either.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Fri Jul 21, 2023 9:48 am  

You could also be really prepared and sign all your players for next season really quickly and then they either flop or get homesick.

Also, if you're a fringe NRL player hoping to make it at your club or sign for another NRL club, why would you commit to leave the NRL when theres so much season left to play. I'd be wanting to break into that team and earn a better deal for next year. If that doesnt happen, then I'd consider a move to SL.