: Sat Jul 18, 2009 12:05 pm  

Old Feller wrote:

I thought Smith had an excellent game not least with his goal kicking which I was concerned about when I found that Sinny wasn't playing.

2004 to 2009 inclusive:

Lee Smith, 11 from 18 = 61% (after last night 15 from 22 = 68%)

Rob Burrow, 107 from 142 = 75%

By comparison

Kevin Sinfield, 770 from 958 = 80%

: Sat Jul 18, 2009 12:18 pm  

He had a reasonble game, but you could hardly say he has set the super league alight this year. Yes he will be missed i understand he has gone for the money. But he should look at the recent players who have changed codes, not many very well, K Pryce, The Volcano and Chev Walker who looks a pale shadow of himself and off course Judas Harris

: Sat Jul 18, 2009 12:35 pm  

huddersfield rhino wrote:

He had a reasonble game, but you could hardly say he has set the super league alight this year. Yes he will be missed i understand he has gone for the money. But he should look at the recent players who have changed codes, not many very well, K Pryce, The Volcano and Chev Walker who looks a pale shadow of himself and off course Judas Harris

I think you're under selling him, he's been the biggest factor in giving our team a balanced attack from both flanks, oh and playing out of position in a untested role. Fair enough he's proven more of a runner than creator but he will be a loss, especially long term. I'm sure we did everything possible to keep our best home grown player in the last few years but sadly these things happen.

: Sat Jul 18, 2009 12:40 pm  

I think you have got my point wrong he has done reasonble well this year, he is part of a side that is not playing well but is top of the league. I would like him to stay and he should consider joining the rah rah boys may well in the long run not be a great career move.

: Sat Jul 18, 2009 2:00 pm  

for me he'd be the starting full back & webb in the centres.

A lot more dangerous running the ball out & just as safe @ the back.

Shame he's going other than london & money @ this stage union can't offer him more & only Robinson could be said to have been a successful convert who hadn't played the game b4.

: Sat Jul 18, 2009 7:22 pm  

No one can blame Smithy for moving to Wasps RU, he has been outstanding for the past 2 seasons at the Rhinos.

Previously Smithy was having a stuttering career at the club under Tony Smith, one week he was in the first team and the next week he was back in the reserve academy side.

He has clearly made not only a career move, that will earn him considerably more money over the length of his RU contract that he could ever have earned at the Rhinos if he had re-signed.

He has also got other things in life to think about, He's clearly at an age also when young men have to decide whether or not to make a go of their relationship, Verity being in London for the fore-seeable future in Hairspray, clearly made his decision all the more bearable.

Good luck to Smithy i say

: Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:03 pm  

Id say its a real problem he is going, from what ive heard we didnt exactly do our best to keep hold of him and I think he should be england and Leeds starting fullback

another season of an international leaving, hope we actually find a "replacement" this year

: Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:09 am  

A quality utility back who has failed to make any one position in the threequarters his own. Finally settled down after some tumultuous seasons including negatives on and off field issues.

We'll desperately miss his utility value but his absence from the 1st 13 will barely be noticed.

Better wingers and full backs at the club already and the club are hopefully sourcing a better centre, if he's not here already.

A shame for league that he chose not to sign for another league club but good news for his bank manager.

I expect him to be back at a lesser club in a few years a lot richer but a poorer league player.

: Sun Jul 19, 2009 7:06 am  

G1 wrote:

A quality utility back who has failed to make any one position in the threequarters his own. Finally settled down after some tumultuous seasons including negatives on and off field issues.

We'll desperately miss his utility value but his absence from the 1st 13 will barely be noticed.

Better wingers and full backs at the club already and the club are hopefully sourcing a better centre, if he's not here already.

A shame for league that he chose not to sign for another league club but good news for his bank manager.

I expect him to be back at a lesser club in a few years a lot richer but a poorer league player.

Thought Smith had his worst game of the season on Friday TBH but as you say Gareth it’s his ability to drop from centre to full back or to the wing midst game that we’ll miss most.

Good luck to the lad I say, IMO pro League player get paid fekk all in relationship to what they do and have nothing much in the way of career longevity. Make hay while the sun shines.

: Sun Jul 19, 2009 7:31 am  

G1 wrote:

A quality utility back who has failed to make any one position in the threequarters his own. Finally settled down after some tumultuous seasons including negatives on and off field issues.

We'll desperately miss his utility value but his absence from the 1st 13 will barely be noticed.

Better wingers and full backs at the club already and the club are hopefully sourcing a better centre, if he's not here already.

A shame for league that he chose not to sign for another league club but good news for his bank manager.

I expect him to be back at a lesser club in a few years a lot richer but a poorer league player.

For the player and for England, the ideal would probably have been that he signed as a first choice full back for another club. Leeds would have got a fee then too I guess.