Player Transfers 2015 : Sun Sep 21, 2014 9:52 am
So we already know that BJB is leaving for Salford and Adam Cuthbertson is arriving from Newcastle, but who else will we be welcoming to LS6 for 2015. A few thoughts on the squad. DEFINITELY GOING
Ben Jones-Bishop
Ian Kirke
With Cuthbertson arriving we have four senior props - Cuthbertson, Leuluai, Peacock & Bailey. Plus Singleton, Mulhern & Yates all young guns wanting to show what they can do. Based on selections this year that would make Kirke the 6th choice prop at the club. With him being 34 at the turn of the year I can't see what role he'll play. Likely released to go to Wakefield or Bradford and play some 1st team rugby on a regular basis.
MAYBE GOING
Danny McGuire
I hate to say it, but McGuire is no longer one of the top half backs in the game. Every side who finished above us in the league has a comparable or better scrum half. Danny's game has for so long been based around pace and agility - attributes he no longer possesses. He's now had two average seasons in a row, and will not be getting any younger, being 32 at the start of next season.
Releasing Danny would be a decision that could well come back to bite us in the booty. At the same time given the transition the squad will need to go through in 2015 and 2016 it wouldn't be a bad idea to get ahead of the curve.
Rob Burrow
Something that should by now be obvious is that Burrow isn't a hooker. In 2015 he should not be starting games at hooker in front of Paul Aiton. Could quite potentially go back to scrum half - he played well there in the few games he did. Of the 'holy trinity' he is closest to his old self - the pace & agility are still there, even if they're used less effectively than they once were. Given his potential use as an impact sub or scrum half, I'd be minded to keep Burrow ahead of McGuire.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan
JJB has had a good back end to the season. But he's also spent much of this season & last on the treatment table, and will be 34 before next season is out. We should also remember that we have plenty of players in the back row (Ablett, Delaney, Stevie Ward, Clarkson, Achurch & Walters) so could cope with his absence - as we did for much of the year. I'd be tempted to keep JJB on, but his automatic selection should no longer be assumed.
Ryan Bailey
Oft criticised for not being productive enough up front, Bailey is now 30 and will be 31 before the start of next season. With Cuthbertson arriving he also potentially falls out of the selection picture given Singleton's form. That said, Ryan's always performed better when starting matches and will be around for a few seasons yet to provide experienced cover in the pack. On that basis I'd retain, and challenge him to really step up & lead the pack next year. He has the ability, it's the application that's in question.
Chris Clarkson
The phrase I hear most often about Clarkson is that he 'hasn't kicked on'. It should be remembered that he's not yet 25. At 25 we were still discussing JJB at a 100% effort 50% product sort of player, and Ablett didn't become the player he is now until a similar sort of age. Clarkson's also never been given a run in the second row to establish himself, and it's clear his game isn't one that makes him suitable to be used as an impact sub. Retain & look to give more game time next season.
OTHERS LEAVING
Jimmy Keinhorst - not getting in the side despite lots of opportunities, and isn't a 'young gun' any more.
This would leave us with a squad next year of:
1. Hardaker
2. Briscoe T
3. Watkins
4. Moon
5. Hall
6. ?
7. Burrow
8. Leuluai
9. Aiton
10. Peacock
11. Jones-Buchanan
12. Ablett
13. Sinfield
14. Ward S
15. Delaney
16. Bailey
17. Cuthbertson
18. Clarkson
19. Achurch
20. Singleton
21. Sutcliffe
22. Walters
23. Minns
24. Ward R
25. Yates
SHOPPING LIST
Peacock & Kylie are retiring at the end of 2015 - two new top-class props must be found, but for 2015 we're fine in the front row with Leuluai, Peacock, Bailey, Cuthbertson, Singleton, Yates & Mulhern
Similarly, back row has plenty with JJB, Ablett, Ward S, Delaney, Clarkson, Achurch, Sutcliffe & Walters
Outside backs we're well covered with the existing lot, plus forwards (Ablett & Delaney) who can shuffle back if need be.
Halves we need someone to replace McGuire, or for Burrow to be moved back there and Robbie Ward moved up to the position of bench hooker on a full-time basis. For now I'd prefer the former.