Turning into the Dragons Den on here. So, if the price is right, I’m in, if not I’m out. Good player, only 28 but have to watch the cap spending, but we do still need a hooker IMO.

I can see your argument, and it is valid, but my thoughts (and the reason I started the thread) are that he would be a good acquisition in what maybe a problem position for us. We could then use Deacons player salary to accommodate Diskin and allow Deacon to get more involved in the coaching regime.

Two/three years ago under Nobby I'd have taken Diskin in a flash, knowing that he'd have some impact in the team. But now, under Madge, I have the sneaky suspicion he will have his ideal number 9 in the bag before next season. For that reason, I'm oot.

It's nice to think like this.

I'm sure the curious rumour that Tommy is going to Manly will fuel more suspicions of this nature (both Cameron Smith and James Roby were linked with us earlier in the season!!!). But I still believe that Piggy's late and unplanned departure has caused this chink to appear in our armour, rather than it being part of some clever scheme. So I suspect that having a weakness at 9 is probably something we're just going to have to live with until the next round of team-building commences, which will be for 2012.

In an ideal world I'm sure everyone agrees we'd want three class players for every position but that does not and cannot happen anymore because of the salary cap. Although we may be weak(er) in terms of hooking options for next year going off our announced signings, I dont think there will ever be a time under the salary cap where every area of the field can be strong all round.

Having said that, I dont think we are that short at hooker as some seem to be making out. Yes, its a pivotal position to get us going and Riddell was invaluable. But Tommy is a world class hooker and McIlorum has had a few years under several different coaches and senior hookers to learn his trade. Its time in my opinion, to see if McIlorum can step up and become a first choice hooker at the club. At least then, as you say we can know where we stand for our next recruitment drive for the 2012 season.

You could be right, I guess I'm linking the possible need for a player with this being the run up to Madge's first season of input on hires and fires. If the player he's 'got in the bag' for the number nine slot is Tommy or McIlorum I'll be equally happy, one thing we know now is that he has the fastidious nature to have had plan in place for some time. My head is telling me it will be a new signing purely because he has the chance to shape the team for the next few years.

Don't forget, Phelps and Pryce's contracts are yet to be renewed/not renewed. So there will be a little room to navigate around the SC. Plus with Deacs playing future not yet announced I think we could expect another signing before 2011, despite what IL and MM say about it.

Diskin, for the right price and contract length then yes I would like to have him, however it seems likely he's going to Bradford so I'll tell you where I am on this....I'm out.

I too wouldn't be surprised if there is an announcement regarding a new hooker in the near future, however there's always the possibility that the third Tomkins brother could be introduced at hooker next year.

Get him! Perfect player to replace Piggy, won't cost a bomb and will do the job.

On the other side of things, if we go into next year with McIlorum as our only specialist hooker then it gives him a chance to step up big time. I think he may take his chance.

Tommy and MicMac will be our 9s next year.
Diskin's reason for leaving after just signing an extention to his contract is an odd one. Darren Albert did the same at Saints some years ago.
More to this then we'll ever know.
Diskin wouldn't be an improvement on what we've got therefore there's no point.
Glad he's off to Bradford.

Suprised at this news although i was also suprised when Leeds initially signed Buderes.

Would be one of Bardfords better signings if they got him although they already seem to have two players who are more than capable in this position.

Get the feeling that all is not well at Leeds.

Diskin is average at best. I'd rather have tempted Malcom Alker out of retirement

I said when Leeds signed Buderus he'd be my first choice at Wigan

I think he would be a great signing.

My thoughts also.

Diskin confirmed to Bradford.

Good signing for them.

The story is we offered him a 3 year contract at Leeds a while back but he turned it down and took a 1 year contract. I think its with Buderus at the club who actually has a 2 year contract. The Bulls approached Leeds last week with the offer of 3 years. GH to be fair allowed them to speak to Diskin because of the contract length and he has accepted it. Just say he had a bad injury this season he could have been buggered.

Personally though I think had he stayed with Leeds he would have been released next season anyways with McShane coming through. It might be a push for McShane to do as well as hoped this season coming but I think Buderus will step up and play more. We also have Hood coming through who is regarded as one of Englands best hooking prospects but he is about 2 years off SL standard yet

Would have probably taken him for a year but never 3 years! I think Micky Mac will take his chance next year, his main problem is one that isn't his fault and thats the fact that he has terrible luck with injuries. Fingers crossed for him next year. For this reason I still think we need cover in that position next year until some of our younger hookers get up to SL standard.

Bit of a wierd signing for Bradford as they already have Wagga and L'estrange, Potter must like playing 3 hookers in his 17.

Does not make sense to me this.
He leaves Leeds where there is Danny B to go to Bradford where there is Godwin and L'Estrange, maybe they will move L'Estrange but to scrum half that would mean the end of Orford surely.

Phelps back to Australia - According to his Twitter

Pryce - I think will end up at Castleford.

They've all gone back though, it's what the Aussie players do in their off-season. I still have a feeling he might stick around.

i dont think Micky Mac is good enough personally. Big year for him next year if he wants to stay with us.

I thought he really showed us in the last 3 games of the season that he is a quality player. His toughness is second to none in terms of hookers. I remember last season we saw small glimses of a good kicking game, if he can add this to a little more creativity then he will be a quality player.

It's a shame we don't have Gregory and Edwards around at the club, they could give him some real good tips on creating space for putting people through gaps as they were the masters of it.

What a thoroughly rational and well reasoned argument regarding the international 4-time Grand Final and World Club Challenge winner.