A quick flurry of recruitment activity at Headingley has probably posed more questions than it has provided answers. Two in, one out, another prop to beef up the pack but two outside backs are on their way.
We all know by now that Leeds planned to retain Zak Hardaker. Jack Walker's departure was supposed to facilitate that but ultimately, the former Man of Steel received a better offer from Leigh Leopards and the rest is history.
Part of Leeds' freed-up salary cap space has been used to bring in Sam Lisone from Gold Coast Titans. The prop adds further depth to a pack already bolstered by the arrival of Justin Sangare, who has impressed for France during the World Cup.
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But all eyes are now on who will play centre, with Hardaker's absence compounded by the fact Liam Sutcliffe has also departed to play for Hull FC next season. The pair were Leeds' Grand Final centres at Old Trafford.
It leaves an undeniable issue that needs to be resolved. Leeds have no quota spots remaining, meaning they are restricted to signing domestic talent only. As it stands, there aren't any obvious targets for Leeds to go after in that sense.
Leeds do of course boast the talents of Harry Newman, who to many is one of the best young talents on the globe. The 22-year-old would almost certainly be at the World Cup right now if it weren't for injury, but that is where the concern starts. Newman has been plagued by injury issues in recent years and was restricted to just seven appearances this season. He is currently recovering from hamstring surgery that could well hamper his pre-season.
There's no doubt that Newman plays when he's fit, he is one of the best centres in Super League, but, given his injury record, you have to think Leeds are mindful of his medical record when it comes to their centre options next year.
Underneath Newman, Leeds have several other options. They signed a centre in youngster Luis Roberts, who has arrived from Leigh. Max Simpson got a taste of first-team action last year while Levi Edwards thoroughly impressed during a loan spell at York City Knights. But Roberts has played two Super League games in his career. Simpson, who is 18, has four games to his name. Meanwhile, Edwards has never played for the Rhinos. To ask any of them to fill a Zak Hardaker-sized void is daunting, to say the least.
But perhaps the answer lies in the shape of a more senior squad member. What's clear from speaking to James McDonnell is that one of the big pitches Leeds sold him was the opportunity to play regular first-team rugby. But when you consider he will be competing for a place in the back row with Rhyse Martin, Morgan Gannon and James Bentley, something doesn't quite add up.
Could it be that Rhyse Martin is transitioned to the centre? The Papua New Guinea captain played there on several occasions in recent months and didn't disgrace himself either. It would certainly fix a problem, though it remains to be seen whether it is a long-term solution. Martin certainly seems the most obvious option, but perhaps Derrell Olpherts is another solution too.
When Leeds signed him, it's understood that Olpherts was told that he would be considered as both a wing and a centre option. The Rhinos already have Ash Handley and David Fusitu'a, though the latter did spend prolonged spells of the season injured. If all three are fit, it's certainly a route to be explored.
Ultimately, what's crucial for Leeds is that they resolve their injury, and disciplinary, woe. The latter was fixed up as Smith got to grips with the squad but injuries have been a persistent problem for two seasons now. It is perhaps in part why Smith has opted to add several younger recruits to bolster the depth across the team but the Rhinos will be reliant on youngsters again, certainly in the backs, if they don't find a solution to their medical issues. If Leeds are fully fit, there are solutions to the centre problem.
The other possibility, of course, is that a centre is signed after all. It does appear unlikely at this stage but there is still time for further moves. The Rhinos may find an opportunity to open up a quota spot - though the logistics of that do seem challenging at this stage. Leeds may just have to sit tight and someone becomes available from elsewhere.
But it's certainly an area of discussion at this stage.
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