Re: IN 2021 | Kyle Eastmond - Expires: 2022 : Wed Mar 10, 2021 10:17 am  

Loiner at large wrote:

The problem for McLelland is that he's an organising half and should he playing 7 alongside a running half at 6. We should be comparing him to Gale who only started to develop at the same age 21 when he moved to Harlequins. McLelland would also have stalled a little in his career in Union. His route to the team is blocked by Gale quite rightly but potentially we should use the next couple of years to gradually give him some game time in a full strength team by occasionally resting Gale to try and extend his longevity. Gale and McClelland as a pair of 7s just don't work in the way Myler and Moon didn't as a pair.
Undoubtedly if Gale is injured McClellan needs to start at 7. Otherwise he will go but may still turn into a decent player like Gale and McShane did when they departed Leeds.

Agree with all that.

[Bullseye]

Re: IN 2021 | Kyle Eastmond - Expires: 2022 : Wed Mar 10, 2021 11:48 am  

Clearwing wrote:

Trouble is, an organising 7 without much pace tends to be pretty predictable.

If you've not got amazing pace then you need to be able to step off each foot and have a great passing game. IIRC Andy Gregory wasn't the quickest but he was great on his feet and that with his passing game made him devastating.

You can also be successful with the right partnership. Take Paul Deacon who certainly wasn't the fastest but paired with Paul or Pryce it worked well.

I guess this will be a crucial season for McLelland. If he doesn't break through I can see him go back to union or end up in the Championship.

Re: IN 2021 | Kyle Eastmond - Expires: 2022 : Wed Mar 10, 2021 12:09 pm  

Bullseye wrote:

If you've not got amazing pace then you need to be able to step off each foot and have a great passing game. IIRC Andy Gregory wasn't the quickest but he was great on his feet and that with his passing game made him devastating.

You can also be successful with the right partnership. Take Paul Deacon who certainly wasn't the fastest but paired with Paul or Pryce it worked well.

I guess this will be a crucial season for McLelland. If he doesn't break through I can see him go back to union or end up in the Championship.

Yeah. Néed done peace at half these days. Jordan Lilley had all the skills, but was just too slow for his size....

[Bullseye]

Re: IN 2021 | Kyle Eastmond - Expires: 2022 : Wed Mar 10, 2021 2:27 pm  

Shabino wrote:

Yeah. Néed done peace at half these days. Jordan Lilley had all the skills, but was just too slow for his size....

Not sure Lilley has all the skills really. He's ok at championship level.

Re: IN 2021 | Kyle Eastmond - Expires: 2022 : Fri Mar 12, 2021 12:07 pm  

Agar is certainly not managing our expectations in terms of Eastmond. Very complimentary about him Leeds Live piece this morning.

Re: IN 2021 | Kyle Eastmond - Expires: 2022 : Fri Mar 12, 2021 7:01 pm  

Extremely complimentary! Looking forward to seeing him

Re: IN 2021 | Kyle Eastmond - Expires: 2022 : Fri Mar 12, 2021 9:08 pm  

Trebor1 wrote:

Extremely complimentary! Looking forward to seeing him

get a stand ticket you can sit next to him

Re: IN 2021 | Kyle Eastmond - Expires: 2022 : Fri Mar 12, 2021 9:37 pm  

Did they not consult you on the medical, Doc? Maybe next time.

Re: IN 2021 | Kyle Eastmond - Expires: 2022 : Fri Mar 12, 2021 10:05 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

Did they not consult you on the medical, Doc? Maybe next time.

hope i'm as wrong as gale injury wise but just can't think of anyone returning from union and being any good

Re: IN 2021 | Kyle Eastmond - Expires: 2022 : Fri Mar 12, 2021 10:49 pm  

Yep, I think that has historically been the case, but as much as it pains me to say it, union has taken great strides in terms of fitness and skill where as super league (relatively speaking) has stood still. Not sure there is such a massive gap nowadays. Guess we'll know soon enough.