Re: 2016 Squad Requirements : Mon Nov 16, 2015 5:19 pm  

I don't see why signing Leigh's bench second row man from last year will improve our 2nd row this year. Unless we're downsizing in that department.

[Frosties.]

Re: 2016 Squad Requirements : Mon Nov 16, 2015 5:20 pm  

Leeds have today put a bid of 125k in for Adam OBrien.

Re: 2016 Squad Requirements : Mon Nov 16, 2015 5:32 pm  

Frosties. wrote:

Leeds have today put a bid of 125k in for Adam OBrien.

Would be beyond devastated if we lost O'brien. Think he's got the capaibties to be England's No. 9. Has so much more to his game than a lot of hookers who just rely on a quick PTB the scoot.

But wouldn't be surprised to see him leave. Even if he ends up behind Leeds's new hooker in the pecking order and his game time is halved, the lure of playing in a WCC against Jonathan Thurston would be too much for anyone.

Only reason he could stay is he has a lotof respect for Jimmy, he's playing big minutes every game (too many this season) and maybe Jimmy can convince him to give SL one more shot with us. O'brien will be playing SL next year no matter what.

Re: 2016 Squad Requirements : Mon Nov 16, 2015 5:42 pm  

Well my source, and I guess it's no secret who that is, has said Leeds have signed AOB

[Bulliac]

Re: 2016 Squad Requirements : Mon Nov 16, 2015 5:46 pm  

Hope A O'B says no, but Leeds will, no doubt, have done what the bid was designed to do; unsettled him.

It's disappointing that clubs make speculative bids for contracted players [is there no rule against it?] but I wouldn't blame Adam for going, it's clearly a big chance in the big league and as I've often said, sport is a short career and players have to make the best they can from it.

From the club's POV, I'd definitely push for a bit more than the derisory £125k [allegedly] on the table.

Re: 2016 Squad Requirements : Mon Nov 16, 2015 5:47 pm  

It was always going to happen once we didn't get promoted. It just fitted too well together. Leeds have cash & need a decent #9, we need cash & have a decent #9. AoB himself needs SL standard rugby now.

Too much to hope for that Leeds will loan him back to us for a season like Wire did with Clarke & Cas....

Re: 2016 Squad Requirements : Mon Nov 16, 2015 5:48 pm  

Highlander wrote:

I don't see why signing Leigh's bench second row man from last year will improve our 2nd row this year. Unless we're downsizing in that department.

To be fair, Kurt wasn't just a 'bench' second rower. He was frequently 'rotated with Goulden and Dixon and is skilful. However, he tended to negate his skills with poor discipline - he was suspended twice last season, for stupid offences.

[Bulliac]

Re: 2016 Squad Requirements : Mon Nov 16, 2015 5:50 pm  

One of the worst aspects of any of the better players leaving is the effect on other leading players, how for instance would Lee Gaskell be feeling if he sees the club's prospects going south?

Re: 2016 Squad Requirements : Mon Nov 16, 2015 5:51 pm  

Alan wrote:

he was suspended twice last season, for stupid offences

No worries there. Different game plan at Bradford.

Re: 2016 Squad Requirements : Mon Nov 16, 2015 5:56 pm  

Bulliac wrote:

From the club's POV, I'd definitely push for a bit more than the derisory £125k [allegedly] on the table.

Well, this is where potential comes in I suppose. He is young, relatively unproven at SL level. Football structures bids based on clauses a lot more than is done in RL, perhaps this is one where additional payments are triggered when (if) he hits milestones - ie first England cap, 50 appearances for Leeds, that sort of thing...