Re: New Coach poll and Rohan Smith Announced as Head Coach : Fri May 06, 2016 4:10 pm  

Ferocious Aardvark wrote:

I have not been able to understand how such a good squad (by Championship standards, in a full-time environment, could consistently play so awfully so yes, there is no reason at all why Smith shouldn't be able to lift their performance by a factor or two. We have the raw materials, in the main.

Our low finishing position in the table puts us at a big disadvantage including an extra away game, but to me, if we are to rekindle even a flickering flame of hope, then we need to be as good and as proactive in finally biting the bullet and bringing in a decent scrum half, at any cost. With that, everything could change. Without a scrum half, even twenty Rohan Smiths won't ever get us promoted.

Agree.

On paper we have a very good squad but it is underutilised to the the point where we have no idea our strongest team which is a worry.

If Smith can organise us and picks the correct players in the correct positions theres no reason why we shouldn kick on.

To finish in the top 2 we need to be looking to win all of our remaining games, that will hand Leigh 2 losses and draw them closer to us, is this possible yes, is it likely im not to sure but hopefully with directen we can realise our potential.

Re: New Coach poll and Rohan Smith Announced as Head Coach : Fri May 06, 2016 4:34 pm  

Would seem a bit silly if Green is prepared to shell out for a decent coach and relocate him from OZ on a longish deal if they arent also prepared to spend some money bringing a scrum half in too. They keep saying moneys available to strengthen squad so they need to use it, even if its means paying over the odds for a player in what is the most crucial position. If they arent going to bother they might as well have saved smiths wages for year and left diskin in charge.

Re: New Coach poll and Rohan Smith Announced as Head Coach : Fri May 06, 2016 4:54 pm  

woolly07 wrote:

I smiled when he said he will quickly assess the players we have. Can you imagine his face when he says to Feress "can you set up an appointment for me to chat to our first and second choice scrum half".

What do people think about our chances now for this season. Is it too late to have a real shot at promotion or are we now realistically looking at rebuilding in the winter for next season.
I think we could see a big improvement within a month but am not sure all the current players are good enough.
It all depends if he can bring in a handful of better players and make way for them in some way.
What is the chance of him persuading Gaskell to stay - unless he knows an outstanding No 6 down under that he can also bring in next year.
Very interesting few months ahead and all of a sudden the atmosphere has improved dramatically. well done Mr Green and Co.

100% we now have a chance IF we get a decent scrum half.

The Last 7 games are all that matters. As others have said, we have some good players who haven't been playing well and not forming partnerships in the backs in particular.

All the noises are that Smith is a great coach and if gets the likes of Gaskell, Clough, Sidlow, O'brien, Ferguson, Welham and Clare playing well, we can trouble teams. Those players are all super league standard. We might even have some tactics with this coach.

We need a 7 do link everything together put im sure Smith will sort this out.

He's said he doesn't know much about the players which is a good thing for me as that means he has no preconceptions about the players and they all have to perform and work hard to impress and those who had probably given up on getting in the side under Jimmy, now have an opportunity.

Re: New Coach poll and Rohan Smith Announced as Head Coach : Fri May 06, 2016 5:08 pm  

Well Gaskell said in the T&A that he is happy at Bradford but wants to play in SL. So, if that's what he wants he's more likely to take the offer from Hull than Leigh.
However, he also said that he was holding off until the announcement of the new coach. So I would guess that Smith is a coach players want to play under but it make take a few weeks to make up his mind either way. The addition of a good partner at 7 might do much to sway him as well.

Re: New Coach poll and Rohan Smith Announced as Head Coach : Fri May 06, 2016 5:20 pm  

Someone mentioned Rohan's request to meet with his first choice and reserve scrum half, love to see his face when Addy and Purtell sit down at his desk!!

Seriously, the first thing I want to see is a mean defense. He has been holding his own as a defensive coach in the NRL, so we should see an improvement there first. In my opinion, apart from a handful of notable exceptions, our defense has been crap for 3 years. Imagine a good defense last year in the middle 8 games v Fax and Widnes, both games we had a lead then imploded in the 2nd half. The least would have been a home game in the MPG, with possibly sneaking into 3rd with automatic promotion. Maguire built Wigan on defense, would be delighted if Rohan does the same. Perhaps we could become the Bradford City of the championship by winning games 1-0, but even for that we need a scrum half

Agree with the sentiments that this is a very encouraging step!!!!

Re: New Coach poll and Rohan Smith Announced as Head Coach : Fri May 06, 2016 6:04 pm  

I was one of the highly intelligent 16 pundits who voted for A.N Other, so disappointed you weren't able to sign him.

Seriously though, good news it would seem for you Bulls fans.

Re: New Coach poll and Rohan Smith Announced as Head Coach : Sat May 07, 2016 1:51 am  

It looks good for a big noisy crowd at Leigh now when the Bulls come across. Glad youve got the positive vibe back. Hope it goes well and you get the success But not at the Bash or sports village

Re: New Coach poll and Rohan Smith Announced as Head Coach : Sat May 07, 2016 5:00 am  

Well, the greatest test of his coaching skills lies ahead. Just think what a rejuvenated Lauaki could bring to the pack!

Re: New Coach poll and Rohan Smith Announced as Head Coach : Sat May 07, 2016 6:38 am  

Highlander wrote:

Well, the greatest test of his coaching skills lies ahead. Just think what a rejuvenated Lauaki could bring to the pack!

Water bottles?

Re: New Coach poll and Rohan Smith Announced as Head Coach : Sat May 07, 2016 6:56 am  

Highlander wrote:

Well, the greatest test of his coaching skills lies ahead. Just think what a rejuvenated Lauaki could bring to the pack!

Rowan Smith is a highly technical coach who demands a lot from his players... hmm be interesting to see how that works out with Lauaki then! Is he even still training with the club? I dread to think what condition he is in with so little match time recently! I imagine first job will be to quickly assess the players with Diskin and Walkers help and try and shift some wages out on loan so he can bring in some of his own players

3/4 shrewd signings could make a world of difference to this squad, especially if he can instill some belief into the better players we already have at the club.