Be interesting to see if we do make a move. This is where an overseas quota spot would still be handy...

Anyway this will give McLelland a decent run to show what he can do (if he is fit). Will also bring in another fringe player or two and we have plenty in line.

It’s not just the first games this will impact, but we’ve had a full pre-season without our first choice halves. That’s a rubbish situation.

For me this year is about our pack taking a step forward. If we can sort a 6 out for 2022 and the youngsters have progressed, we should be ship shape by then.

I expect our pack to be better and more consistent this year, which should take some pressure off the halves.

There are several options but none of them looks strong enough against the top sides.

Disappointing to go into a new season so busted despite a long off-season.

gives us an option of one ball player if ball gets to myler , mc lelland smith n sutcliffe won't get it there , do better with long and sinfield , tom brady was good enough at 43 in nfl

prior and dwyer at hb if lui and gale out but never mclelland

I've gone from feeling really positive about the season, to thinking we look really short of quality in the backs....
Cruel luck we've had last few years......

I said the other week Jack Broadbent had been getting some time at full back in training and now we probably know why. Obviously if Gale is fit Myler will probably play 1 but Jack can offer cover there.

Losing Lui and Walker is clearly a massive blow going into the season. Massive sickener.

One positive for Mclelland is that he’s got time to train as the first choice 6. That will help him. Fingers crossed he steps up. I really hope he does as it’d be a huge bonus! Be very interesting to see if we apply for cap exemption.. (we’d be mad not to imo) just in case we lose anyone else long term

Do we actually know what's happened here with Walker? The article is a bit vague:



So the surgery failed? Have they said anywhere what the actual issue is?

I believe Myler is at the start of a two year contract . He did fine last season and it got him this deal ,he will be 33 or so when his current deal ends .I hope young Walker regains full fitness . The club will have been aware of the full back situation all close season .its halfback that concerns me . I hope it's not July August when we are playing catch up and damage limitation

Except I hear he’s injured too.

If so that’s a shame and could cost him in the long term at Leeds. Agar speaking to press today apparently so let’s see what he says re cap exemption etc

Eastmond is signing...

Ha. Nice one. Would take him though..... Despite shocking injury record as was my favourite SL player when at Saints. Say that through gritted teeth...

He is signing though .

I always thought releasing Iwan Stephens was a mistake and premature, he could’ve slotted in nicely at fullback given the injury to Jack Walker.

Are we gonna pay him in midget gems? Almost said peanuts, but in the modern world I was not sure how that would be interpreted!

So far Leeds have said Walker "could" miss the entire season which would mean we couldnt spply cap exemption as he may return later in the season.

Releasing Iwan Stephens was a big mistake in my opinion, he was far better than Liam Tindall.

Did you mean Singing?

Walker himself has said he won't be back till 2022.

Yeah ive seen that

We managed for most of last season without Walker and I seem to think he missed a slice of the season before that.
I would keep Myler at FB as he was woeful in the halves and hope McLelland is fit to partner someone like Sutcliffe which is not ideal but only means one player out of position based on last years performance.
Ironically Golding who was deemed inferior to Walker is also going to miss a few months of the season at Huddersfield.
It`s a shame for Lui too as I was hoping for a big season from him this year after he lost some weight and looks to be fitter.

Jason Davidson reckons Gale and Newman will be fit for round one, he then says don't hold me to it but says both coming on nicely. He says they won't rush Newman but Gale knows his body and is flying.Interview Leeds Live.

Some encouraging news after some bad news last week.
With Eastmond signing too, will be a very interesting season.....

Incredible work from the S&C staff to get them to this point.

I think we will have to expect a fairly disjointed feel to the side early doors. With Gale limited in skills training (I assume) and Eastmond returning from RU, it may take our halves a month or so to begin to click.

I'm assuming Myler will be at fullback from the start of the season?

Players like Gale will slot straight back in, no problem. Experienced enough and knows what systems we play. Will bring Eastmond or Mclelland along no end too....