Lack of forwards : Fri Mar 27, 2009 12:43 pm  

Today's game ought to be the ideal occasion to give the likes of JP a well-earned rest. However, we no longer have the strength in depth in the forwards to be able to do this. Like 2005, we have got rid of more forwards than we have signed. Unlike 2005, however, there are no good quality big lads in the reserves waiting to come through. A worry for now and the next few years or do people think that Uncle Gary has everything under control?

: Fri Mar 27, 2009 12:59 pm  

I dunno. Obviously the loss of Eastwood from the planned squad leaves us a little short, but without the injury to Bailey the Peacock resting option would be more readily available. Remember Burgess will probably be getting more game time this year, which he probably needs for his development. I also don't think it's true that there is nothing in the reserve/academy level to look forward to. I don't see any reserve grade games these days, but Ambler is a name which leaps to mind without much thought.

: Fri Mar 27, 2009 1:12 pm  

I want to know what GH intends to do with the Eastwood situation.

It's going to be next season at the earliest that we get him, which means we're already one down in the forwards this year compared to last (we've essentially lost Ellis without a replacement).

We've got two cap spaces left.

Is GH going to use some of our relatively healthy funds to bring someone in? Should we be prepared to pay a transfer fee for a top player?

One things for sure, I'm not comfortable going the entire season with the squad we've got now in terms of burn out and fatigue.

: Fri Mar 27, 2009 1:20 pm  

Have Leeds replaced Scruton yet? Last year he was one of the five props regularly used throughout the season. If the answer to that question is Ambler, why haven't we seen him have a run yet?

Joe Chandler got the game V Castleford last year, is he still around?

[Frosties.]

: Fri Mar 27, 2009 1:22 pm  

This should have been the first chance to try out young Luke Ambler imo.

: Fri Mar 27, 2009 1:22 pm  

tvoc wrote:

Have Leeds replaced Scruton yet? Last year he was one of the five props regularly used throughout the season. If the answer to that question is Ambler, why haven't we seen him have a run yet?

Joe Chandler got the game V Castleford last year, is he still around?

Chandler is in the academy i believe.

: Fri Mar 27, 2009 1:30 pm  

Leeds' 5 props in 2008 (from a potential 35 games = 140 prop appearances assuming 2+2 bench)

Leuluai - 32
Peacock - 32
Bailey - 24
Scruton - 30
Burgess - 21

Total 139

Leeds 4 props in 2009 (from a potential 7 games so far)

Leuluai - 7
Peacock - 7
Bailey - 6
Burgess - 7

As injuries and fatigue (which itself contributes to injuries) sets in someone is going to have to make the numbers up but who?

: Fri Mar 27, 2009 1:31 pm  

you have got hundreds of forwards, i mean forward passes cos you score plenty of tries from em

: Fri Mar 27, 2009 1:33 pm  

jungleman wrote:

you have got hundreds of forwards, i mean forward passes cos you score plenty of tries from em

Thats the lamest troll attempt ever.
Is it a coincidence its school lunchtime atm.

: Fri Mar 27, 2009 1:34 pm  

jungleman wrote:

cos you score plenty of tries

Thanks