What is 'technically awful' about the multi-talented machine that is TMFMISL?

I am a long standing supporter of our youth system. It's great to see players make the step-ups into our first team. Some will be flavours of the month, some will make it, some will make it elsewhere etc. So yes I do have affection for McShane. But I have the same spirit for others like Daniel Smith and Singleton etc.

We've built championships on the back of our investment in youth. So when a chancer, injury ridden, loose canon, techncially awful, 30+, rookie comes along it does leave me feeling a little sad inside.

So, you weren't keen on cross then?

At the risk of upsetting Rhinoms again your argument seems to be based on TWO games. This will be Macca's fourth season in the first team(made his debut in 09), This season in particular he has been very ordinary in the games he has played in, He was ok in the WCC but nothing special.
Lunt has come in with 3 training sessions and run the game something macca has never done.

Something like that.



For the record - he's a tool.

I haven't got a problem with your loyalty to McShane and you are right to stick up for him if that is your judgement. Although I have seen great promise in McS it has never gone further than that IMO. I do not know the number of minutes he has played but I except that a lack of game time may have stumped his growth so to speak. However in my judgement his inabiliy to perform consistently at a high level is perhaps more due to a lack of genuine class. IMO he takes the wrong options in as many cases as correct ones and is something of a 50/50 man with much of what he does the result of fortune rather than good decision making which is why he rarely has repeated the performance in the Cas game you refer to. This does not make him a bad player but rather not good enough in a pivotal position to be first choice for the Champion side.

So rhinoms we just have different views on this player who by the way is no longer a "kid" in SL terms. But you cannot compare this with anything I have said about Cross. Whilst you are on record as saying you highly rate McShane I have never said I highly rate Cross I merely sought to restore some balance from over the top negative comments made by certain posters. While acknowledging Cross's bad discipline I have pointed out his positive side which compared favourably with most of our props. That I chose to have a "chelp" at Bailey along the way is in part to counter the OTT Bailey brigade and also to keep Bloodbath busy.



Quite why you raise the subject of Farrell is odd. Here was a star for both last years Champions at 19 and for England in all 6 Nations Internationals (not 5 mins!) at 20. Considering in this case you chose to doubt the player's skills or class before his International debut ("writing the kid off" as you would say) and persist in this opinion despite events proving the contrary, shows either a stubborn prejudice or questionable judgement. You may have to put this opinion in the same place as your judgement on both Brian McD and Burrow on the bench last year and Burrow as a starting at hooker this year.



To end on a positive note I have to say rhinoms that when you eventually do take off the Ray-Bans and see the light you then correct your views.......it just takes time

[iLoose canon[/i eh...? It gets worse. They're the worst those [iimmoral priest[/i type people; they really really are. Well rid of him we are

Although I agree with JC on his views regarding Mcshane, I can't say the same on Mr Sin Bin/Sicknote.

its make or break for the lad

He still hasn't been afforded that many chances though really in those four seasons you talk about.

For the record though I have never been convinced on rhinoms thoughts on McShane. I think the club made a huge mistake last season in letting Buderus go. With McShane, he obviously has the potential. He has a great kicking game that is under used, he has good distribution. His tackling game is adequate if nothing great. But something just doesn't fit. He is to me a scrum half who is just not good enough for a scrum half role, rather than an out and out hooker. For me he is a mirror image of Dean Lawford. But for those that don't remember him, he too was regarded very highly by coaches with an excellent technical game, but he just couldn't deliver when he got into the match. That for me is where I see McShane at the moment. But who knows he may well take that step that Lawford couldn't.

It was Lawfords lifestyle and failure to commit to hard work that was his un-doing.

In game, his passing was sublime and had a very useful long and short kicking game. Very 'old-school'.

Not exactly helped by his razor sharp intellect.

Isn't he the player who when on holiday in Tunisia said he wanted to hire a car and go explore the island?

There are dozens of examples of his 'logic' doing the rounds, that seem to end up in former team mates auto-bios!!

But I wouldn't question his rugby brain. Two different beasts.

I meant it more as an indication of his ability (or otherwise) to link what he got up to off the field with how he was subsequently able to perform on it.

You can teach players all about good habits, eating well, resting and refuelling properly, but if they're not smart enough to take it in you are wasting your time.

in the U20s game at the weekend Paul Mcshane walked off the pitch in disgust after being substituted. He walked off to the changing room, got showered and went home. Is this the end for Paul Mcshane I wonder?
(hood was starting hooker with mcshane on the bench)

If true then it would be no shock. I do have some sympathy with the lad (negotiates a 4 year contract, secures the no.9 shirt then is pushed out of the pecking order by Burrow ...and now justifiably by the much superior Lunt too. Becoming 4th choice behind Hood is then hardly going to inspire much faith in him having a future with the club).

Let him go I say: be fair to the lad.

I don't believe that.

He doesn't look like he's ever had a good wash.

Agreed, if he's not prepared to put the work in that is required to make himself a better player than those currently ahead of him, he should find a home more suited to the acceptance of mediocrity.

I cannot believe what i am reading (needs a good wash) i find it amazing how quick our own fans turn on our young players. I cannot remember diskin rob or kev being world beaters at the start of their careers but all were given time to develop. I do remember jimmy lowes being in a similar position and look where he ended up.I personally don't think we need him as we have got lunt and rob plus hood will be ready in a season or two but i would rather see the lad given a chance elsewhere than treat him this way or slag him off on here.

Just hope he can pronounce his 'r's

If true, I can't see McDermott tolerating that, nor would I want him to. A shame, because he could be a decent player if he puts the effort in and gets the right attitude.


Hi Paul



Did Matt Diskin, Rob Burrow or Kevin Sinfield show such disrespect to the club, coaching staff and other players? Not to mention rumours about McShane's attitude in games & at training.

Did this actually happen or is it somebody's overactive imagination? McShane's been named in the 19 for tomorrow, so I'd suggest the latter.

Pass. I'm just glad Brent Webb is still alive and kicking.

Hi Paul

Did Matt Diskin, Rob Burrow or Kevin Sinfield show such disrespect to the club, coaching staff and other players? Not to mention rumours about McShane's attitude in games & at training.



Sorry Brian ha ha whatever next, soon we will have our loose forward refusing to play at 13 and players refusing to come off the bench and be used as impact players.

I see a lot of speculation is often made on these boards about the attitude of McShane but it's strange how nothing has ever been mentioned from anybody at Leeds Rhinos, I suggest you ask people who attend training day in day out and you'll find a different answer to what is often posted on here, I think his selection in the 19 man squad puts to bed what was written re u20's.

There were glimpses of a player better than Dean Lawford (the player I believe McShane is most 'like' IMHO) in the WCC, so I personally haven't given up on him just yet (and neither have the Leeds coaching staff it would appear)...still think he's got some way to go and I hope he makes it but it's by no means a certainty. Will he leave? Doubt it there's lots he can build on and develop with us.

As for Lunt he's had a couple of pretty good games for sure, but I would have a hissy fit if we didn't sign him!