The whole pack will look completely different with a very different attitude/gameplan. The passive defence made all our forwards look soft. I don't know why people keep trying to deny it was a thing - the Leigh game, when the whole team was pumped, our defence was stood still in a line waiting for attackers the whole game through. It was also partly why when Arthur tried to change it up they couldn't sustain a more aggressive style for long, because they just weren't fit enough.

An off season focused on increased fitness and a completely different mindset among the forwards will show us which of the forwards are up to it and who isn't. I'm not entirely convinced on Oledzki, Holroyd or Lisone, but would be more than happy if they all take a big leap forward next year.

Given the look of our backline, we're also likely to have far more structure next year as well. Hall and Sivo could score a lot of tries if we can create openings, but that requires field position, as neither will score from a distance, and moves intended to create overlaps.

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.