[urlhttp://www.therhinos.co.uk/news/lilley-agrees-new-three-year-deal-with-rhinos-27033#.WV9kqITyu1s[/url

We can't be all that bad in contract talks then if another from the academy has gone on to sign a long term deal with us.

good news, i know not all agree but i think he is a cracking player who hopefully will turn into our main playmaker within next 2-3 years

I also see that Aston has left his loan spell at Fev and gone to Bradford on a months loan which pretty much rules out Lilley heading back on loan there.

I am trying to work out who is going to offer him that large contract and the starting Full Back spot:

Hull FC - very doubtful, at the cap this year, hence Hadley on loan at Wakefield, and Shaul is the number 1
Castleford - Hardaker
Warrington - Gotcha said it wasn't them
St Helens - possible, if they feel that Barba won't stay, Lomax into the halves potentially at Stand Off with Fages back up hooker.
Wakefield - couldn't offer the contract rumoured above
Wigan - Have Escare and Tomkins
Widnes - Can't see them having the money
Leigh - probably them. They don't have a great full back at the moment, and Derek might be flashing the cash
Salford - another possible, although seemed to have learnt from just flashing the cash at players this season and building a unit
Huddersfield - not flash with cash, and Mamo is a superb full back

Lilley is an HALF BACK mate and he's just signed a new deal at Leeds.

Hehehehehehe

My main concern regarding lilley is lack of pace . Hope he makes the grade but for me I am doubtful. Be delighted if proved wrong.

Not sure Lilley and Myler are a combination I'd automatically put together!? Maybe Lilley for organising and Myler for running/support play? Hope it works and guess this confirms Sutcliffe won't be used at Stand Off other than during injury periods.

Possibly, think it does rule out a 2nd HB being signed which some thought/hoped would be the case after Myler signed.

Guess so. If this is the partnership they're going for then suppose we'll be looking for a winger (unless they keep faith in Briscoe), a fast centre (unless they keep faith in Keinhorst) or more probably a really strong back rower or maybe a big prop?

Our backs look a little sluggish compared to how fast we were a few years ago but I think the games against Cas in particular have been lost in the middle before the backs have been able to have any significant impact. Our back row, whilst individually showing good moments at times is now getting old and battered and if we don't promote from within we might need to look there next. No idea who I'd sign though!

Reference sutcliffe. Looks like he has been awarded jack of all trades role. Thought at one time he may become a ball playing loose forward. Similar to Gary divorty ,if anybody remembers him.

Don't think we'll see a prop as we do have plenty in that department. Think they're happy with Keinhorst at centre, bringing someone in who could play as a centre/wing or centre/2nd rower will depend how they see Moon's future. Wouldn't mind seeing Briscoe moved on with a replacement coming in but I don't know if that more hopeful thinking than likely to happen, would depend whose available as no point bringing in any old winger just for the sake of getting rid of Briscoe.

If Burrow is retiring then a potential backup hooker is needed unless they plan to have Lilley as backup on the subs bench with Myler + Moon starting in the halves.

Divorty was a good player but his face didn't seem to fit (like a number of other players around that time. Who was the prop with long hair that was with us around that same time as Shaun Wane and I think ended up at Warrington (or did he come from there?))

Lilley is the right stocky build for a hooker. Would love to see a Scot Donald speed winger to let us be dangerous from our own half again.

He should take a page out of Sinfield's book and excel in other areas to make up for his lack of pace. If he knuckles down and works on his playmaking the players he's putting through the gaps can be his legs.

I guess your meaning Steve Molloy and he signed for Leeds from Warrington

That's the one!

not a bad player Steve Molloy, I remember him chasing the late St.John Ellis down the tunnel when they both got sent off

This deal just ensures we have a back up halfback, as it seems like Mags and Burrow are both retiring. Lilley is definitely not the future!

I suppose it begs the question where does Walker fit in - Golding has 5 years and both half backs have 3 year contracts.

Unless he is going to play on the wing?

You need more than 17 players and cover for all positions, that's where 17 year old Jack Walker fits in. When was the last time we were injury free?

Just means there's competition for places. Hasn't the complaint been that outside of the usual starters the fringe guys were no good?

This !!!!

If Mac rotates squad more that would reduce the number of injuries (hopefully). Or no reason why he could not mix it so both play...Alternate one from bench. The more competition for places the better, it will stop complacency in players, or should do, and also hopefully each player will improve and raise the standard of their game as they will want the jersey.

How would anyone know what the "fringe guys" are no good. You would have to play them to find out!

So we haven't had numerous injuries to our starters in the last 18 months or so?