Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Mar 14, 2024 3:13 pm  

I never really expected Handley to make it, who I think was also a centre, so who knows with Roberts he may come good! Like when Hall left and Handley got the number 5, it could be a case of opportunity for Roberts or another young player if Fus leaves (which he should).
One thing Handley did show though is he's fast when in full flight. I don't think he's got the same off the mark speed as a Field or French, but his over long range is awesome. Not seen anything like that in Roberts so far...

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Mar 14, 2024 3:30 pm  

KaeruJim wrote:

Agree but he will be a big thing in a few years. Utility/reserve back more than likely though - I expect several others from academy to come past him.

I'd hope we are aspiring to bigger things than "big things". I've got nothing against him and I think he's doing well in a difficult situation, but Leeds has such a rich history of wingers - Harris, Atkinson, Smith, Grothe, Bai, Donald, Hall etc - I just think we need to get someone who can put bums on seats and then get them out of them.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Mar 14, 2024 5:28 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

I'd hope we are aspiring to bigger things than "big things". I've got nothing against him and I think he's doing well in a difficult situation, but Leeds has such a rich history of wingers - Harris, Atkinson, Smith, Grothe, Bai, Donald, Hall etc - I just think we need to get someone who can put bums on seats and then get them out of them.

That's 7 named over the last 40 years, I know there's been others, such as ET, Bentley, but there has also been a lot of Meh players and I include Franny in that. The rich history of wingers is a bit overstated.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Mar 14, 2024 5:59 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

I'd hope we are aspiring to bigger things than "big things". I've got nothing against him and I think he's doing well in a difficult situation, but Leeds has such a rich history of wingers - Harris, Atkinson, Smith, Grothe, Bai, Donald, Hall etc - I just think we need to get someone who can put bums on seats and then get them out of them.

Agreed some brilliant wingers in that list. Mostly they had high skilled centres to give them the ball at the right time. Syd Hines was a proper wingers Centre. The modern game rightly or wrongly has changed, not so much emphasis on getting quick ball to the wingers. If you recall Moon, he was a class act also Senior ,both these two gave the wingers the ball at the right time.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Mar 14, 2024 6:06 pm  

finglas wrote:

That's 7 named over the last 40 years, I know there's been others, such as ET, Bentley, but there has also been a lot of Meh players and I include Franny in that. The rich history of wingers is a bit overstated.

Well Eric Harris (and Fred) are going back the best part of century, but I rattled them off without even thinking. Check your record books and you'll find we had plenty, especially when we won things.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Mar 14, 2024 6:53 pm  

We’ve also had squad fillers even in successful side too though haven’t we? You can’t have worldies in every position especially in salary cap world.

Roberts is only just about 22 he’s not far off academy age really; like I said can see him being a squad player but he’ll have his work cut out to retain a place in the 17 going forward.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:05 pm  

KaeruJim wrote:

We’ve also had squad fillers even in successful side too though haven’t we? You can’t have worldies in every position especially in salary cap world.

Roberts is only just about 22 he’s not far off academy age really; like I said can see him being a squad player but he’ll have his work cut out to retain a place in the 17 going forward.

Don’t think we have worldies in that many positions. Pace or serious power are prerequisites at wing for me. Roberts not long term answer, but we can’t carry Fus anymore either…..

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:06 pm  

Fwiw, I think there was a decent player in Olpherts, but complete loss of form and confidence/injuries did for him….

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:16 pm  

Olpherts is almost the perfect physical profile for an outside back, and the kind that we rarely produce in this country. 6'3, powerful and quick, you'd think he'd be a star. Unfortunately, his hands are made of concrete.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:53 pm  

Jack Burton wrote:

Olpherts is almost the perfect physical profile for an outside back, and the kind that we rarely produce in this country. 6'3, powerful and quick, you'd think he'd be a star. Unfortunately, his hands are made of concrete.

Olpherts is no where near 6’3.