: Mon Jun 22, 2009 3:00 pm  

Andy Gilder wrote:

McGuire put a perfectly good pass down in midfield during the second half because he was too busy looking where he was going before he caught the ball - I don't see his performance being "critiqued" in a similar fashion?

McGuire is slightly more established in the team. His potential for inclusion in the 17 is not really an issue anymore.

McGuire knocked on Leeds' first possession of the match in the sixth minute (I've mentioned that in another thread) and again in the 74th minute as well as conceding a penalty for hands in the play the ball on 58 minutes. Buderus threw two terrible passes from dummy half (I've mentioned that in another thread) and knocked on another possession at the play the ball but again his position in the side isn't an issue.

Some people appear to think Watkins should be a 1st choice centre at Leeds right now, I don't at this point, based on his performances when played in that position up to and including his 16 minutes V the Harlequins on Saturday.

: Mon Jun 22, 2009 3:33 pm  

Re: The salary cap and Smith, all fair points. Gotcha you're right, it's about our wage structure rather than the overall cap. Even then Smith is an international so theoretically could command top bracket money here. In general though the cap (all round the league) will make retaining all your best players is pretty much impossible (Scruton etc) and I think we will have to accept some of them announcing that they're moving on earlier on the season.

: Mon Jun 22, 2009 3:34 pm  

tvoc wrote:

McGuire is slightly more established in the team. His potential for inclusion in the 17 is not really an issue anymore.

McGuire knocked on Leeds' first possession of the match in the sixth minute (I've mentioned that in another thread) and again in the 74th minute as well as conceding a penalty for hands in the play the ball on 58 minutes. Buderus threw two terrible passes from dummy half (I've mentioned that in another thread) and knocked on another possession at the play the ball but again his position in the side isn't an issue.

Some people appear to think Watkins should be a 1st choice centre at Leeds right now, I don't at this point, based on his performances when played in that position up to and including his 16 minutes V the Harlequins on Saturday.

Are your reasons for doubting his readiness the handling errors and alleged defensive "miss" that you've pointed out despite also pointed out these are mistakes committed by far more experienced, international even players?

: Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:02 pm  

G1 wrote:

Are your reasons for doubting his readiness the handling errors and alleged defensive "miss" that you've pointed out despite also pointed out these are mistakes committed by far more experienced, international even players?

The Watkins' errors appear despite his limited game time and or involvement and unfortunately are a recurring issue at this point in his career. He needs to iron them out of his game which I'm sure he will as his stamina and concentration improves.

: Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:25 pm  

Loop wrote:

How can the salary cap be biting? Eastwood was due to be here so therefore his wages must have been available on the cap.

IMO players that come through the youth system should only have 50% of their salary included in the cap this would encourage more development and less quick fixes.

I agree there should be financial incentive for producing home grown kids. It would have to be a balancing act though. At 50% teams will effectively be able to buy success by poaching all the best youngsters with ££££. Good for England but bad for SL in terms of even competition. Something like x% for maximum x or a mini youth produced cap within the cap.

Principle is sound and innovative. Write to clarkey.