: Sun Jul 12, 2009 7:20 pm  

fanstanningley wrote:

Who is good enough to replace Senior?

In SL, only Gleeson or Gidley, in my opinion we've got to look to the NRL to replace Senior.

: Sun Jul 12, 2009 8:02 pm  

but by this seasons performances he isnt finished yet

: Sun Jul 12, 2009 9:47 pm  

LS16_Rhino wrote:

Atinks for Smith would be like-for-like (ish) but where would that leave our home-grown youngsters (although IIRC Gibson is 22 now so maybe not quite so young).

Watkins should be Senior long term replacement.
Still to be convinced on Gibson as a right centre but if his form warrants it then a 12 month extension should be given.

: Sun Jul 12, 2009 10:20 pm  

BillyRhino wrote:

Smith might need a couple of seasons as a winger to adjust to Union, and may well kick on from there, but I can't see his future as a full back in either codes.

Might not need as much time to adjust as you think. I believe he played union as a junior at county level so already knows the game I'd think

: Mon Jul 13, 2009 2:34 am  

Rhinos Fan Pam wrote:

Might not need as much time to adjust as you think. I believe he played union as a junior at county level so already knows the game I'd think

Indeed to a pretty decent level as well.

But that won't stop know nowts on this forum pushing their agenda against the lad. They're all clueless that he's already played the game (Union) to a decent standard.

And its' unbelievably harsh to criticise anybody who may or may not be Senior's replacement for not being up to Keith's standard because Keith remains the best British centre in the league and has been for ten plus years.

: Mon Jul 13, 2009 7:16 am  

G1 wrote:

Indeed to a pretty decent level as well.

But that won't stop know nowts on this forum pushing their agenda against the lad. They're all clueless that he's already played the game (Union) to a decent standard.

And its' unbelievably harsh to criticise anybody who may or may not be Senior's replacement for not being up to Keith's standard because Keith remains the best British centre in the league and has been for ten plus years.

So do you think he'll play for england at union G????????
I honestly don't when you consider who's in front of him plus the u20's reached their WC final so there'll be juniors on the radar in front of him also.
I personally think he's making a mistake but wish the lad well.
P.s I forgot to say i agree 100% re-seniors possible replacement!

: Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:30 am  

Physically he's a level above the current England options. The Lions selectors left out Delon Armitage despite him being about the fastest back in the 6 nations and went with two big, physical full backs. Armitage is potentially a great player but I see him moving to centre, Nick Abendanon is the only other contender and he makes too many mistakes for me.
Union is getting more and more physical, strong backs are in at the moment - Smiths strength could work well for him.
The fact that he'll have Sean Edwards as a coach is also a massive bonus. He should be able to get the best out of him. Hopefully the distraction of the Capital won't be too much for Lee.

: Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:39 am  

G1 wrote:

Indeed to a pretty decent level as well.

But that won't stop know nowts on this forum pushing their agenda against the lad. They're all clueless that he's already played the game (Union) to a decent standard.

And its' unbelievably harsh to criticise anybody who may or may not be Senior's replacement for not being up to Keith's standard because Keith remains the best British centre in the league and has been for ten plus years.

I agree, I dont see what Rickey Flutey has that Smith doesn't. He will adapt to union no problem. I posted some time ago, that Smith from what I have been told is a genuine allround sportsman, and adapts to any sport, apprently he was a good cricketer.

Also agree on Watkins as Seniors replacement. He has another season now, so plenty of time for Watkins to prove himself.

However, we do need to replace Smith, and I dont think Watkins is yet the answer to that one.

: Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:04 am  

Dave Heron's Moustache wrote:

Speaking of Union, did you see Sonny Bill turn out for the Barbarians a while back? Interesting performance - looked a very average centre still not sure how to play the game. I know there's money to be had but to go from being a superstar in one sport, top of your game and pretty much hero worshipped by the fans, to average squad player under constant scrutiny and criticism playing for a second division French team? On top of that being told to f*** off by the club you were contracted to (who were busting the bank to pay you as it was). I don't think I would be keen.
I wish Lee Smith best of luck, hope he doesn't do a "Chev".

Has he actually left Toulon? I heard rumours they were wanting to get shut, but I haven't heard that he actually left.