A farewell wave? : Sun Aug 30, 2015 6:47 pm  

Of the three players who are out with season-ending injuries, was it significant that only Aiton (leaving the club at the end of the season) and JJB went up the steps as part of the presentation part?

Was Sutcliffe prevented from doing so by his injury, or just not asked to join the rest of his team-mates?

Or was it a farewell thank you to JJB, and a recognition that despite the positive noises being made he's not going to be back in 2016?

Re: A farewell wave? : Sun Aug 30, 2015 7:36 pm  

Andy Gilder wrote:

Of the three players who are out with season-ending injuries, was it significant that only Aiton (leaving the club at the end of the season) and JJB went up the steps as part of the presentation part?

Was Sutcliffe prevented from doing so by his injury, or just not asked to join the rest of his team-mates?

Or was it a farewell thank you to JJB, and a recognition that despite the positive noises being made he's not going to be back in 2016?

I did consider that but I suppose only time will tell.

Even if he did return next year, yesterday could be the last time he's at a Wembley final and it showed the measure in which he's held at the club not just on the field but off. The likes of Sutcliffe and Handley will probably get there again.

[Frosties.]

Re: A farewell wave? : Sun Aug 30, 2015 7:47 pm  

ThePrinter wrote:

I did consider that but I suppose only time will tell.

Even if he did return next year, yesterday could be the last time he's at a Wembley final and it showed the measure in which he's held at the club not just on the field but off. The likes of Sutcliffe and Handley will probably get there again.

Handley, Mulhern, Walters, Ward were all on the pitch afterwards too. I was thinking exactly the same thing, especially him lifting the trophy with Kev. I pictured JP doing it with him but seeing JJB doing it made it more significant to me.

Re: A farewell wave? : Sun Aug 30, 2015 8:16 pm  

Kev spoke last night and said he wanted JJB to lift trophy/be along side him as they are great friends and go way back.

I take that to mean it had more to do with Sir Kev's last cc final than JJB's.... Possibly.

Re: A farewell wave? : Sun Aug 30, 2015 8:36 pm  

Sinfield asked JJB to lift it with him. They've known each other for 20 years and JJB was Kev's best man at his wedding. It shows the high regard JJB is held in by both at Leeds and by his captain.

Re: A farewell wave? : Sun Aug 30, 2015 9:03 pm  

Sinny said the only person who knew I was quitting was Jonesy up till now because he is my best friend

Re: A farewell wave? : Sun Aug 30, 2015 9:09 pm  

JJB has been a very important part of this successful team reliably doing much of the unglamorous hard foundation work so often unrecognised by fans but much appreciated by the players. His contribution in the semi final was important as is his off field leadership and example.

So it was fitting tribute from his captain and teammates to be at the top of the line to hold the Cup aloft. Maybe just in case he does not make a full recovery or maybe just to share this final chance with his departing teammates.

If any player will overcome this set back you would put your money on JJB

Re: A farewell wave? : Sun Aug 30, 2015 9:20 pm  

I think JJB is an absolute top bloke, and he fully deserved to be up there with Sinfield. If you could put his heart into every RL player in this country, we'd see a lot more great players coming through.