He's still at school though and is also taking vital exams during next season, this will probably restrict him a bit for next season

How old is he now. Not sure if this will be his year to break through. Certainly won't be long though I wouldn't have thought.

likewise!

The thread has got me thinking that there could be exciting times ahead with so many good young prospects coming through.

McShane and Wheeler, probably the two most over rated young players I have seen in the last five years.

Ones to watch for you guys Stevie Ward, or Jordan Baldwinson.

There's one or two senior figures at Leeds that have got high hopes for Stevie Ward - if the things I've heard about this lad are true then the kid might be the 'one to watch' for next year.

Only slight concern is that our impressive conveyor belt of talent doesn't seem to be churning out any decent half backs

That's probably the role Briscoe is earmarked for isn't it? IIRC he can play fullback as well, but we're hardly short of options there.

But do we have an out and out scrum half in the mix? A kid who knows his craft,one who steps onto the paddock and the supporters thinks there's Rob Burrows heir apparent?

He's the Sam Tomkins, Jonny Lomax of the forwards.

Did saints and Wigan pish about with those. Give the kid a run and let him learn the best way.

depends in what context the pies think hock is one to watch

Over rated by whom? I'm not really fussed how they're rated by the fans, what matters is how they're rated by the club. We haven't over-promoted too many young players in recent years; those that have been given a chance have, by and large, done the job.

One to watch? I'll go with rhinoms and say Clarkson. Has the potential to match Ellis by my reckoning.

By one particular Wigan fan apparently.

Course, the fact one plays for Leeds and the other for Saints is complete coincidence.

How are the Coyle brothers doing these days Rogues, if we want to talk overrated prospects?

I'm not saying I disagree with you but I think you do handle young forwards differently than backs. Your post also implies that Saints and Wigan know how to integrate their youngsters better than we do. I'd disagree vehemently with that. If that wasn't your implication, I apologise.

That said, I hope Ward gets some first team action this year.

I think they intergate the players into the first team well, they're just not able to balance that particularly well with being as sucessful as us

By all accounts, Brad Singleton was outstanding for Cumbria against England Knights. Obviously he might find a few ahead of him in the pecking order but if he's given a chance I expect him to excel.

That hasn't been a concern till now. With Burrow & McGuire being the age they are any talent produced since them has had to seek a living elsewhere cf Gale, Murrell to name but 2.
Even last season's injury to McGuire wasn't really an issue.
Centre & hooker has been a greater problem but hopefully that has been resolved, only time will tell.

Like others on here I'm looking forward to the continued development of Hardaker & to seeing if Hood & Ward can hack it on the big stage.
I hope that Ward lives up to the hype & will step up when Sinfield finally decides to hang up his boots.
I'd also like to see a prop who can replace Peacock.

I predict Hardaker & McGuire will play a big part and while I wouldn't be surprised to see one of our new props make an impact.

This, Griffin was one of the best Props in the comp up until Huddersfield's slump in form. He has been underrated by our fans considering how highly he was respected by the Hudds fan. I reckon he could surprise a few playing in a dominant team.

Think I was more underwhelmed with the Moore signing, however griffin should go ok, and is a BIG improvement on cross who we had last year

Richie Spedding. It's his time.

I think the most impressive newcomer to the team last season would have to be Hardaker for raw talent. His impact especially in the playoffs was phenomenal, if i was picking a player to watch out for next season it would definitely be Zak. He's at the age where he's still bulking up so if anything he should be more of a handful for the opposition next season with a bit more muscle about him. As stated previously Kallum Watkins showed great promise in what was an injury hit season, he could also be one to watch if he stays injury free as he's grown into a man over the last year or so from a skinny kid with potential. Not sure about Mcshane yet, let's hope with gametime he grows into the player we're hoping he'll be. What's he gonna be like for mobility and stamina ?, only time will tell. He seems to have slimmed down a bit from the lad that burst onto the scene, i suppose in the modern game that can only help him. One thing's for sure, I can't wait to find out how they're all gonna do. Roll on February.

I think Ben Jones Bishop deserves a mention - can't wait to see him cement his wing spot. I'm also looking forward to seeing Watkins and Hardaker in the centres, both special talents!

You liked Cross though...easily pleased



Hardaker is the one to watch in 2012 (esp when he is moved to stand off)

That seems like a conservative choice for you? Was thinking you would Pluck another Wilson like name from the under 5's to champion for starting spot.

Hopefully Mcshane and Burrow and in the long run Hood will give us the kind of dynamic saints enjoyed for so many years with cunningham and roby.

Less of a person more of a t5hing but how the whole back line develops, especially defensively.

I think Bailey will have another stormer, coming in injury free and bitterly dissapointed not to get a chance for England, he'll want another call up. He's also set to be Peacocks successor in this team IMO