I'm sorry its ending this way for Kallum. He's been a class act until his injury which has clearly taken its toll. Remember that he's remained at Leeds when he could have earned more elsewhere. Unlike some of the dross in our team, his dip in form is almost certainly due to his injury, rather than a poor attitude. I hope the fans will give him a big send off at our next home game. On the other hand, I'm heartened that Sinfield is clearly taking tough decisions to put things right. This must have been a tough call for him. I know he's been criticised for keeping JJB and Ablett, but as many others have pointed out, they won't be earning much, and are probably acting as mentors to younger players - this is what we don't get to see. Despite the Watkins departure being described by Rhinos as a "mutual agreement", it will be interesting to see how some of the other players react to a situation in which Leeds would appear to have in essence terminated a playing contract - let's hope it gives them the kick up the backside they need, rather than having the opposite effect.

Watkins hasn't developed as much in attack as he could have but on his day both for Leeds and England he has been absolutely massive in defence. Best example for Leeds was the 2015 GF. He was effectively having to defend for Sinfield as well as centre, because Sinfield's legs had gone, and he was tremendous. Also in the World Cup Final he was brilliant in defence.

Personally I think he could do very well in the NRL if he gets his speed and strength back and he picked the right club. Hall went to a team with some incredible outside backs and will only get a game through injuries, when there are other clubs where he could play every week. His injury may cause his first contract to be lowball, but if he signed for one year and the chance to prove himself he might surprise a lot of people.

Someone mentioned Lolohea getting another go. For me its quite simple. First get fit, and if he can't sack him. There are a lot of things in sport that are difficult to quantify, like effort and commitment, but fitness is one thing you can objectively measure and an absolute requirement for him to be able to do his job.

Absolutely. I wouldn't even entertain the thought of playing Lolohea until he was at a playing weight. Put him on a diet + fitness plan. Make him earn his wage. Cos he is stealing a living at the moment.

Expect Ward to be shown the door if he breaks down again (once back of course)

Watkins quoted hes only leaving to free up cap space.
not sure about that myself. think he has something lined up. suits both parties imo

Wouldn't be surprised to see him as Toronto's major 2020 signing.

Never the same player once Briscoe replaced BJB - they were a stand out pairing - another poor decision to let BJB go.

Didn’t BJB ask to leave to try and get a FB spot at another club?

Kallum receiving the ball in his stride from a line break was one amazing sight, for a time a missed tackle, as with Shenton, on Watkins was a try. Leeds this year have given him the ball stood still. In fact, Leeds this year have so few bodies in motion at the play the ball I have been able to read it, and if I can with my glacial speed of thought it explains why the Bradford pack could.

He's been shut down like Iestyn behind that Welsh pack. No go forward, no opportunities. Good luck to him with a line breaking SH

That is not my recall on the subject - but I could be wrong

Leeds were a different animal then, Hall Briscoe BJB all playing well, BJB was let go, rightly or wrongly, time will tell.

also says Leeds wanted to reduce his pay for the next 2 years - Maybe his contract included a guaranteed place in the 1st team, so that's why we cannot drop him on current performance ????

Quote ="Sal Paradise"That is not my recall on the subject - but I could be wrong'" "It will be sad for me to leave. It was a big decision to reject the offer of a longer contract last year, but I wanted to keep my options open," https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/27354754

Quote ="Sal Paradise"That is not my recall on the subject - but I could be wrong'" "It will be sad for me to leave. It was a big decision to reject the offer of a longer contract last year, but I wanted to keep my options open," https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/27354754

See above, he rejected a longer contract offer, he wasn't let go, he chose to leave.

has Briscoe been worse? really? I don't think so.

Sorry Chris, was talking about when BJB decided to leave, due to an abundance of quality at the time, BJB Hall Briscoe.

No he hasn't, he has played very well for us, he's had a few tips but he was really impressive in 2017 how he looked shot of confidence but turned it al around with some really strong performances.

The point was the understand Watkins and BJB had - that was never the same with Briscoe.

Completely agree Briscoe has been doing well.

The issue I have is that due to Watkins being caption he's getting sucked into the middle of the pack barking out orders leaving Briscoe on his own if you watch the tries we've conceded Briscoe is on his own the majority of the team defending against 2/3 players. Compared to Handley and Hurrell/Newman on the other side this hasn't been happening. Really bugs me people slating off Briscoe because what else is he meant to do.

Doesn't matter who the player is wingers and centres shouldn't be caption.

Unfortunately Briscoe still has an issue catching high balls

Very rare though, like every player has a bad game.

Do our wingers have an issue catching high balls or do they have an issue with a lack of protection from other players while catching a high ball???

Were the worst team I've ever seen for players standing and looking at the ball instead of getting in front of the catcher and blocking people off.

They have an issue with catching the ball.

There may be times where protection is not where it should be, but that doesn't the efforts Briscoe makes with kicks in 99 our of 100 cases. He is utterly pathetic with them. Sometimes he doesn't even jump, and others he flaps his hands up with absolutely no chance of catching, so why he does it nobody knows. How many times as Briscoe actually been penalised in attempting catches? I bet higher than any other winger out there. He is totally out of sorts when it comes to kicks, no excuses on that.

The rest of his game is very good, but the above is so bad it is a big problem for Leeds on a consistent basis.

He does a lot of hard yard work and is deceptively strong. He should score more though and you’re right he’s poor with kick defence. Someone was saying on here a while back that he struggles to raise his arm with previous shoulder injuries - either way it is a liability at times.
I’d still retain him other things being equal, dependant on his relative salary. He needs a centre who is in form and can create opportunities for him.

Always said we should give Tom Briscoe a game at hooker.

He's strong, can pass and faster than normal hookers.