I don't think he can be really judged off one international game this weekend. BA will know him well enough to know his weaknesses in defence, and hopefully but a structure in place to not get him isolated. Looking at his highlights/tries, he seems to score the same try over and over again, which implies teams can review it and try to defend against it, but he'll still score. Really confident in the backline to get some good metres out of backfield and set a platform for the forwards. Hopefully it enables Ackers to run at broken lines a bit more.

PS: the video of Maika's dad coming over to surprise him for Fathers Day is brilliant.

New 1 year deal for Mcdonell

Interesting to see who we go for . This failed move for Jock Madden , the Brisbane halfback , indicates the club wants more cover than Croft, Connor and Sinfield next season. 


Only 1 year for McDonnell is a bit odd but glad he is staying, he?s been good this year

McDonnell signed a 1yr extension 

1 year for McDonnell is interesting, I'd have been happy to see him sign for 2 years, but not a problem. Will be interesting to see what Bentley and the club do. I'd be offering Holroyd 2 years and Gannon 3 years.

In terms of a replacement for Frawley (who must be leaving) if we didn't sign anyone, our 4th choice halfback would probably be either Cam Smith (who I don't think is much of a field kicker, and lacks pace) or Fergus McCormack (who is completely untested at this level). That's a risk and why I think the might go for someone else. Perhaps the club also now see Jack as a future 9 rather than 7 in which case you can expect another decent quality half to be signed.

I like Croft. However, a club of Leeds' ambitions has certain expectations of a marquee half-back. 


Is Croft up there with the very best halves in the competition? While there have been glimpses and occasional game-breaking performances, let's be honest, he's just not doing it enough. He's no French or Lewis (at Leeds), not even close.


Is Croft up there with the best Leeds halves we've seen in recent decades? The answer is a firm 'no', but perhaps he still has time on his side, especially if the Arthur message keeps to bed in. Definitely behind the likes of Schofield, Harris, McGuire and Sinfield Snr. As good as Gale (factoring in Gale's kicking game)? Being better (at Leeds) than Sezer, Frawley, Sutcliffe, Austin etc isn't really the hallmark of the player we're looking for.


I would say if the price is right *and* a better player is available, we should move. These things are unlikely to happen though, and we're probably better off with him for now.