Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Jul 04, 2023 1:55 pm  

I think sometimes he tries too hard, which often makes him stand out for the wrong reasons but he always seems to put the effort in, even when we've had poor results. All the Aussie imports are gonna have downsides, thats why theyre no longer in the NRL.

Like Chris says, there seems to be a lack of quality halfs, so replacing two might be too much of an ask, atleast we know what were gonna get with Austin.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Jul 04, 2023 2:13 pm  

I'm not sure what an option on a second year would really mean. If its down to number of appearances or at Leeds' discretion its probably no better than a one-year deal to Austin.

Regardless of form, I think we have to go for one new halfback for next season. It'll be hard to replace two in any year, and if we leave Austin/Sezer any longer we'll be under more pressure to replace one or both of them end of next season.

I'd also look at fullback. Maybe one who can play on the wing might be the way to go. Either way we need more pace in the backs.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Jul 04, 2023 2:19 pm  

For Austin the effort is always there though as above could be accused of doing it alone, the caveat for those wakey and Salford games being a poor performing team as a whole and changing half back partners. You're just not replacing 2 halves with quality before the start of next year. Get the forwards and outside backs doing their job then Austin thrives. Leave our decision making much longer and we'll struggle to replace 1 let alone 2.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Jul 04, 2023 2:36 pm  

Seth wrote:

For Austin the effort is always there though as above could be accused of doing it alone, the caveat for those wakey and Salford games being a poor performing team as a whole and changing half back partners. You're just not replacing 2 halves with quality before the start of next year. Get the forwards and outside backs doing their job then Austin thrives. Leave our decision making much longer and we'll struggle to replace 1 let alone 2.

All valid points. All I'd say is, just because it's hard to replace 2 halves doesn't mean it can't be done. If the club thought it was impossible they'd have given Austin 2 years already. Secrecy seems to be the buzz word with regard to our recruitment, hence these debates. Let's just hope they have some decent secrets to keep.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Jul 04, 2023 3:05 pm  

christopher wrote:

I think it's good to get him tied down, he's been excellent, a real threat every time he runs.

4 years may seem long but as Seth says there could be some clever Salary Cap management involved with giving him some security of a long term deal.

When does James Macdonall deal run out Id be extending that one pretty sharpish too.

Agree on McDonnell, need to get him tied down, what a find he was, bet Wigan are kicking themselves

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Jul 04, 2023 3:09 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

All valid points. All I'd say is, just because it's hard to replace 2 halves doesn't mean it can't be done. If the club thought it was impossible they'd have given Austin 2 years already. Secrecy seems to be the buzz word with regard to our recruitment, hence these debates. Let's just hope they have some decent secrets to keep.

Austin made errors at wakey, the drop out on the full was pretty dense but even in that game he scored one try from nothing and in first 10 minutes made 2 breaks which should have led to tries, he messed up one and Mik the other. He was easily our biggest threat that poor day.

The other bit for me is continuity in the spine. It’s easier to slot in outside backs, props and second rows but the spine is key and the deeper the understanding the better. I know 1,6 and 7 are getting on but don’t want to try and get 2 new again Aussies in to replace the current 2.

Let’s hope
It secrecy rather than wait, see and hope

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Jul 04, 2023 3:13 pm  

I think Austin might get the two years,only reason not to is if he wants bonkers cash or we have a 6 lined up.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Jul 04, 2023 4:21 pm  

Seth wrote:

For Austin the effort is always there though as above could be accused of doing it alone, the caveat for those wakey and Salford games being a poor performing team as a whole and changing half back partners. You're just not replacing 2 halves with quality before the start of next year. Get the forwards and outside backs doing their job then Austin thrives. Leave our decision making much longer and we'll struggle to replace 1 let alone 2.

I agree Seth.
No way are we gonna get a quality 6 and 7 in the next off-season.
We need to focus on getting a quality organising 7.
When the team is playing well, Austin is very good. When the team are playing badly he tries too hard and makes daft plays.
Give him 2 years or we will lose him someone who will.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Jul 04, 2023 5:06 pm  

Simmo71 wrote:

I agree Seth.
No way are we gonna get a quality 6 and 7 in the next off-season.
We need to focus on getting a quality organising 7.
When the team is playing well, Austin is very good. When the team are playing badly he tries too hard and makes daft plays.
Give him 2 years or we will lose him someone who will.

I get the impression that Leeds want to sign a halfback this off season, given Austin one year and then let Sinfield have a shot the year after. The issue with Austin getting two years is that it potentially stunts the development of Sinfield, who could in theory be a long term option for us. If it’s a choice I would always play the long game and move on from Austin if he won’t take one year and put Sinfield in. Appreciate it is a big if, but it Sinfield can develop into a starting halfback then recruiting a top halfback and fullback is easier.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Jul 04, 2023 5:17 pm  

Sinfield is only 18 iirc. Even if Austin gets two years he won't play in every game so will be chances for him.

Still think we need an organising 7 and a quick FB