By Mally (12/07/02)
July 12 2002

Leeds Tykes latest signing is George Harder. The signing of the Samoan winger brings the squad up to 29, still 1 short of the predicted 30. Who will be the 30th? Well the rumours have been flying around over recent weeks, from Catt to Lima, the current favourites being Derek Hegarty & Mark Regan. The Hetherington Kiss of Death

Leeds Tykes are known to be recruiting so have been linked with many players over the last weeks, as the agents play the media to boost their player’s image (and of course future salary). However Tykes haven’t signed any of these players. Call it the “Hetherington Kiss of Death”, but as soon as Gary Hetherington says Tykes would be “interested” in signing a player it seems to be a sure sign that they will not be wearing a Tykes shirt at any point in the near future. Remember the Lomu rumour of last season, Tykes were “interested” then, and then there was the Catt saga this summer, did any of us truly expect Mike Catt to leave Bath? Hetherington knows how the game is played, and is an expert.

The signings we have made over the summer have only leaked out in the couple of days before the official announcement, the Albanese rumour started a few days before the announcement, with Campbell & Ross I believe it was the same day. Yesterday morning was the first time we heard anything about George Harder.

This all makes me think that the rumour about Hagerty is true, not only is this the first we’ve heard about it, but the news was in the Yorkshire Post, who I believe have close links to the Tykes. In contrast the speculation about Regan has been doing the rounds for the last month. Tykes need additional scrum-half cover to back up Benton & Kendra, whether we need another hooker is a point I’ll leave to the forwards experts.

I could be completely wrong and we’ll sign them both, but I’m not holding my breath!