sir kev : Wed Apr 27, 2016 8:11 pm  

so sir kev has announced the date of his final retirement from all sport.
given his acknowledgement that "he had under-estimated the differences between the codes", will this (along with the stitch-up job that sam burgess had to cope with), help persuade players against taking the gamble of crossing codes ?

for me, it would appear that a tipping point has been reached and apart from wingers, the recent experiences of players crossing codes has shown that it is too much of a gamble to take.

Re: sir kev : Wed Apr 27, 2016 8:18 pm  

TBF whilst he's said he underestimated the differences he didn't mean it in a bad way and he's enjoyed the challenge, it's just that the two codes aren't as similar as he originally thought. Apparently he's played very well in his short time there and was MOM in a semi final when they reached a cup final.

Re: sir kev : Wed Apr 27, 2016 8:30 pm  

Like him or loathe him he has been great for RL and Leeds. His game changing decisions and kicking were a joy to watch (even if we were on the receiving end) an ambassador to the sport. I hope he comes back in some sort of coaching capacity for Leeds and having an input during games. Brian McDermott doesn't seem the type to be too bothered about who to ask for advice when it's needed, It could be a masterstroke for them.

Re: sir kev : Wed Apr 27, 2016 9:02 pm  

i like the chap. he reminds me of edwards, in that the nay sayers only really appreciated his contributions once he had retired. oh my goodness how leeds have missed him this year.

however, my point is whether people feel that with yet another player not quite making it in RU, wil this now see us move into an era where the drain to RU will abate (i dont count the charnley move, as i feel that this has been in the pipeline for a few years).

Re: sir kev : Wed Apr 27, 2016 9:39 pm  

ShortArse wrote:

i like the chap. he reminds me of edwards, in that the nay sayers only really appreciated his contributions once he had retired. oh my goodness how leeds have missed him this year.

however, my point is whether people feel that with yet another player not quite making it in RU, wil this now see us move into an era where the drain to RU will abate (i dont count the charnley move, as i feel that this has been in the pipeline for a few years).

I think the Sam Burgess one could have that effect with some players but not sure about the Sinfield one. He was mid-30's just giving it a try at the end of his career so he didn't regret not having a go and was with a lower league club that played and trained at the same location as the Rhinos. Also he only signed an 18 month deal so it was hardly like most who will sign 3/4 years with hopes of International rugby.

Like I said above, reports are that he's been very good there so far so he's not struggled. Don't really know his full reasons for retiring but he did mention about how other opportunities have presented themselves for a post-playing career. I would imagine only having a few weeks off after the GF before starting up with Carnegie and not having a proper break since Winter 2014 at his age has caught up with him as well physically.

Re: sir kev : Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:27 am  

JP and Sir Kev as the Leeds-saving dual-coaching dream ticket?

Brian Mac can go upstairs, in other words back into the wilderness.

Re: sir kev : Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:01 am  

I was interested in Peacocks comments on the Super League Show talking about how HKR's performance in the Cup against Oldham wasn't how he wants a side representing him to perform attitude wise and how he was pleased after the Cas game.

He spoke as though he was coaching the side but I thought he was more on the business side of things. It didn't sound like it will be too long before he becomes head coach there.

Re: sir kev : Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:30 pm  

I'd happily have Sinfield on the coaching staff here. Model professional with a great understanding of the game.

Re: sir kev : Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:45 pm  

Surely he walks into a role at Headingley?

Re: sir kev : Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:50 pm  

jinkin jimmy wrote:

Surely he walks into a role at Headingley?

Most likely......... But he would be wise if he learned his trade elsewhere if he is to go into coaching, or at least start lower down...