Apparently we still don't know if Austin has copped a ban for the shove on Gale yet. The Committee meets Monday so if he is suspended we'll soon find out who the back up is.

But we had 3 top line halves under the cap, all contracted. We was in a fantastic position.

If Sezer and Austin can stay fit then we are fine. Sorry but Myler and Sutty, we know from experience, arent the answer. No criticism of either player as both are good for Leeds but they are better away from the halves particularly Sutcliffe.

I agree with Seth that prop is the biggest issue we have and Holroyds injury makes that an even bigger problem but a tough tackling hooker can help minimise that issue. Leeming is an improving player on attack, he can defend but his contact is poor in my opinion. Johnson is far better than any other option we have at 9 behind Leeming.

Weve best squad for years, weve hopefully bought well and improved our team. Were definate top 4 contenders possibly top 3. Still short of cover in key areas for me but thats only my opinion.

I really don't see HB or 9 as an issue this season.
Walker and Johnson back in the frame makes a real difference.
Myler or Leeming will be first choice back up HB, with Johnson back up 9.

Prop is a massive issue.
We have 3 props going into the start of the season.
They will all have to play long minutes, so burn out and injuries are inevitable.
The back ups are far too light weight, as Cats and Saints showed when they steam rolled us.

Marty don’t forget what happened when Gale went; we gave contract extensions to key young players to retain them. Money much better spent IMO.

Gale is/was good but Sezer is the better player.

By the time we have more cap and quota I’d like to think Jack Sinfield is thereabouts in contention as a back/up - although if Austin doesn’t work out we will need to go back to market again. I can see us making a play for Will Pryce anyway. Would be a great foil for Jack.

I agree we’re short in cover but it is what it is. I wouldn’t criticise the club too much for decisions made over the last year or two. We do need to be smart again this year into 2023 as well though.

We could have extended the ones we have anyway. They was all in contract, none of the ones we have extended was out of contract.

Anyhoo whats done is done. Hopefully we can stay healthy and see how we do.

Looking around all the SL clubs most if not all are short of middles.
We have 4 props plus Thompson and Donaldson as cover. In the back row we have more than enough cover. O’Connor is ready enough to cover loose forward to enable Smith to cover front row. Of course if we have 3 props out like Hull we along with the rest would struggle but that is downright bad look that no team can manage. As for rest of positions not only do we have cover but competition as well (apart from half backs) so my glass is half full this year.
What is it about Rhinos supporters, we are not happy unless we have a gripe over hooker Dwyer cops the lot. Well talking with pals who support other teams I can tell you that they believe we have three really good players and great depth!
Obviously they don’t know what they are talking about.

Wasn’t a fan of Austin signing, but he might be the right player for us just now specially alongside Sezar, get Austin back to mainly being a runner/attacker he can be devastating as we saw in his first tear at Warrington.

If he’s out then I can’t see us throwing Walker straight back in at the deep end.
We may be looking at Sutty back in at half……

Not sure about ‘devastating’ but could be very useful, yes…..

I'm not as gloomy at the thought of myler slotting in the halves occasionally. It's not worked great in the past but often because he's had to run with a worse option partnering him. Even gale didn't show up well when he faced similar. Plus, the team was made weaker still as the stand in's for myler were often weaker too - altogether a terrific handicap.
But with walker back and myler properly paired in the halves that's a far less shaky set up.