Clarkson : Fri Sep 26, 2014 1:12 pm  

Set to join Widnes on a season long loan for 2015... Should be good for him to get regular first team experience, definitely a good move! http://www.therhinos.co.uk/news/23887.php

Set to join Widnes on a season long loan for 2015... Should be good for him to get regular first team experience, definitely a good move! http://www.therhinos.co.uk/news/23887.php

Re: Clarkson : Fri Sep 26, 2014 1:20 pm  

Strange to see a season loan announced for the following season whilst this season hasn't even wrapped up (I know it has for the two teams involved but still)

Maybe a sign changes will be made during the off season.

Good also for the likes of Walters and Minchella as it inevitably means they're closer in line to the starting 17. (Although if a loan to the right club came along for either that could be a good option for them too)

Re: Clarkson : Fri Sep 26, 2014 1:23 pm  

Doesn't need "first team experience". He's played 118 games FFS, if he doesn't know what first team rugby is all about by now he never will.

He's being shifted off the wage bill, that's all.

Re: Clarkson : Fri Sep 26, 2014 1:26 pm  

Notice I said 'regular', yes he's played 118 games but he's not a regular choice in the team. FWIW I fully expect he won't be with us 2016.

Re: Clarkson : Fri Sep 26, 2014 1:31 pm  

Just what the lad needed.

When he came onto the scene, he hit some great lines and with pace, and was steady in defence. Under McD, he's turned into a complete plodder - no impact in attack, but makes plenty of tackles, though with no aggression. Whether that was always his destiny, or Is a result of poor coaching/development I doubt we'll ever know. It will be interesting to see how he goes elsewhere.

I too doubt we'll see him in a Leeds shirt again.

Re: Clarkson : Fri Sep 26, 2014 1:33 pm  

Definition of average. Doubt he'll be any different at Widnes.

Re: Clarkson : Fri Sep 26, 2014 1:44 pm  

So he will have a year left on his contract after the loan... Why didn't they just cancel it early and let him go more permanently, thus freeing some salary space up more permanently?

I can't see him being involved in 2016 - if he does amazingly he will only have a year left and traffic ahead to get through, if he does badly he hasn't been close to the 17/18 for months now and he won't be any closer come 2016.

On a personal level, best wishes to him, though a loan deal seems the least beneficial to all parties really.

Re: Clarkson : Fri Sep 26, 2014 1:48 pm  

Superted wrote:

When he came onto the scene, he hit some great lines and with pace, and was steady in defence. Under McD, he's turned into a complete plodder - no impact in attack, but makes plenty of tackles, though with no aggression. Whether that was always his destiny, or Is a result of poor coaching/development I doubt we'll ever know. It will be interesting to see how he goes elsewhere.

I too doubt we'll see him in a Leeds shirt again.

Any lack of aggression is purely down to himself IMO. I agree that he'll probably not return though.

[Ex-Swarcliffe Rhino]

Re: Clarkson : Fri Sep 26, 2014 1:50 pm  

^ who says they wont release him? All the hallmarks of the McShane situation.

ATEOTD he's gone backwards at a fair rate of knots. He's now nothing more than a squad body and seems to be happy in that, a time away from the pressures and familiarity of Leeds could be the kick up the arris he needs.

I hope he goes to Widnes and regains the form that won him so many fans on here when he broke through.

Re: Clarkson : Fri Sep 26, 2014 1:51 pm  

Jamie101 wrote:

So he will have a year left on his contract after the loan... Why didn't they just cancel it early and let him go more permanently, thus freeing some salary space up more permanently?

I can't see him being involved in 2016 - if he does amazingly he will only have a year left and traffic ahead to get through, if he does badly he hasn't been close to the 17/18 for months now and he won't be any closer come 2016.

On a personal level, best wishes to him, though a loan deal seems the least beneficial to all parties really.

If 2015 is to be McDermott's last year then perhaps a new coach will want Clarkson back for 2016???