: Fri May 15, 2009 6:26 pm  

Mugwump wrote:

Whilst Smith's distance kicking is as good as anyone's, his short kicking game is atrocious. You cannot brush such a weakness under the carpet and carry on. It's an integral part of the game.

I'm not trying to brush anything under the carpet. Eastmond has deficiencies in his game but nobody is accused of "sweeping it under the carpet".

In the games i have seen Smith, his kicking game from short isn't atrocious.

: Sat May 16, 2009 9:45 am  

Smith has gone for good.

A promising HB that turned into a John Duffy clone.

More game time from the bench for Eastmond at hb/hooker
will be the making of him. Just needs to get/stay fit.

Kicking can be coached pace and zip can't.

: Sat May 16, 2009 1:39 pm  

Eastmond needs to learn how to tackle without just closing his eyes, holding his arms out and hoping for the best. Seen him do this far too many times as though hes scared of the colision.

: Sat May 16, 2009 2:37 pm  

Smith is Shiza. His level is national league.

: Sun May 17, 2009 8:39 pm  

[quote="Gerry Mander"]Smith has gone for good.

A promising HB that turned into a John Duffy clone.

More game time from the bench for Eastmond at hb/hooker
will be the making of him. Just needs to get/stay fit.

Kicking can be coached pace and zip can't.[/quote]

disagree...kicking is a natural ability and can be practiced but not taught you have to have the ability in the first place otherwise you could teach to every player on the pitch....the forwards for instance the wingers .......its like saying a scrum half can take the ball up like a prop......you can't teach a talent in a certain area.....you can only make an exsisting talent stronger with practice

: Sun May 17, 2009 9:04 pm  

St_Maca wrote:

Smith is Shiza. His level is national league.

I think you're being a tad harsh there.

: Sun May 17, 2009 9:12 pm  

St_Maca wrote:

Smith is Shiza. His level is national league.

According to the welsh fans it was Smiths influence that won them the game against Bradford today.

Smith is certainly SL class and has the potential to be a good quality half back, he just needs to gain experience and learn to control play, and attack the line better. I think he could certainly achieve the same level as say Danny Brough.

: Mon May 18, 2009 9:08 am  

Eastmond wont get a run of games cos there is a massive concern over whether his shoulders are up to it.

: Mon May 18, 2009 9:48 am  

- Neil - wrote:

Eastmond wont get a run of games cos there is a massive concern over whether his shoulders are up to it.

Not up to it at the moment or that they'll never be up to it?

: Mon May 18, 2009 11:44 am  

The lad looked completely down trodden in France, just gutted that he wasn't playing. I'd be surprised if he stays at saints if he doesn't get played regulary soon.