The beginning of the week promised a flurry of activity at Headingley. A busy week of mid-season moves was anticipated.
Alas, there's been a lot of movement this week, just not a lot at Leeds. When the departure of Jack Walker was announced, it meant salary cap space was available. Up to now, it hasn't been used.
As the week unfolded, it became clear no incomings would arrive before Magic Weekend. As is always the case, recruiting mid-season is difficult. Clubs are reluctant to let players leave due to injury troubles or because they do not wish to strengthen a rival. The Rhinos have tried but nothing has materialised.
At this time of year, recruitment is often opportunistic and being ready to strike when the right player emerges is key. The sudden availability of Zak Hardaker was proof of that earlier this year. It's no secret now that Leeds want to bring at least one player in. They have been putting the feelers out for some time. As it stands, nothing to their liking has come to the fore.
While not ideal, it's not a disaster either. It's certainly not worth making a hasty decision. The Rhinos still aren't flush with cap space and have to spend what they've got wisely. It would be foolish to bring someone in for a short-term fix and then be unable to land a more desirable deal because they're spent up.
Leeds have to hold their nerve and that's what they are doing. The reality is there are clubs in more desperate predicaments than they are. There are clubs who need to do business more than Leeds do. Circumstances will mean other players become available and when that happens, Leeds are in a position to do business swiftly with the cap space created by Walker's departure.
Historically, bad business takes place when clubs are desperate. Rob Lui was by no means a poor signing for the Rhinos but the financial package that saw Tui Lolohea move the other way to Salford was significantly in the Red Devils' favour. Leeds paid a fee in the region of £65,000 and picked up both players' salaries for the next 18 months.
The Rhinos are in a different place now and while the need to improve their squad is apparent, any business that takes place needs to be in the best interests of the roster for next year and beyond. For that reason, fans shouldn't be frustrated if their mid-season shopping takes time. They are simply holding their nerve.
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