Re: 2017 and Tony Smith : Fri May 05, 2017 2:23 pm  

Previously I have also suggested that the Brisbane game was seen as an "end" rather than a means to an end.Perhaps what happened was similar to post Final blues. I say "perhaps" because I don't know for sure and wouldn't pretend to have a definitive answer.

Re: 2017 and Tony Smith : Fri May 05, 2017 2:24 pm  

Ps I'm really hoping for an upturn in form soon as I'm spending far too much time posting on here...

Re: 2017 and Tony Smith : Fri May 05, 2017 3:11 pm  

Captain Hook wrote:

W71 my response related to a post suggesting that Smith didn't do anything. As for "blame", I've always considered that a fairly pointless exercise. BUT the factors that account for our current predicament? In no particular order injuries, loss of form, loss of confidence appear to me to be major issues. Part of the coach's job is to try and instill confidence and maximise performance, to whatever extent Smith has not done so then that is where he can be criticised.
You will realise I have not mentioned player recruitment/retention. This is because I have no idea what constraints are placed on bringing in new players apart from the obvious and highly significant Salary Cap the effect of which can not sensibly be ignored.

Yes I could use a better word than blame - maybe "What responsibility should Smith shoulder for our current predicament" would be better.

I agree balancing the salary cap is a key skill and it takes time for a coach to allow churn and new talent recruitment to get the squad he wants, but we are into the 8th season now under Smith. Typical playing contracts are only 2-4 years long.

So let's look in detail at one of our key failings - that being the last tackle attacking option. It's so clear even rival board members post about it on here.
Now then do you think this is because the players are well schooled in attacking play options and have lot's of ideas on how to break down a defence but it's just their confidence preventing them doing so? e.g.) Does Evans posses the ability to beat a man but has crippling lack of confidence? Is confidence an issue with Cooper who has just come back from the toughest league in the RL world?

You mentioned form. If true why are we playing out of form players? It is clear that Jack Hughes is way off, yet has been an ever present. Is it because we don't have the succession?

Injuries - all sides get injuries. Even those at the top of the table.

Re: 2017 and Tony Smith : Fri May 05, 2017 3:20 pm  

Wires71 wrote:

Yes I could use a better word than blame - maybe "What responsibility should Smith shoulder for our current predicament" would be better.

I agree balancing the salary cap is a key skill and it takes time for a coach to allow churn and new talent recruitment to get the squad he wants, but we are into the 8th season now under Smith. Typical playing contracts are only 2-4 years long.

So let's look in detail at one of our key failings - that being the last tackle attacking option. It's so clear even rival board members post about it on here.

Now then do you think this is because the players are well schooled in attacking play options and have lot's of ideas on how to break down a defence but it's just their form and confidence preventing them doing so?

In a nutshell, yes. In support of that look at the first half v Hull. However I can see merit , where there is a loss of form/confidence in reverting to a simple, relatively risk free form of basic attack to get the win and let confidence develop from a winning habit. I would suggest that last Friday showed signs of that.
But as my "signature" says these are my opinions, I don't suggest for one minute that they are any more valid than any others, I try to support them by showing my reasoning (which may well be flawed).
Truth is the only opinions that ultimately count are those of the Board.

Re: 2017 and Tony Smith : Fri May 05, 2017 6:48 pm  

I feel a bit dirty saying this, but...

Am I the only one feeling a bit jealous that Saints have a much-plaudited young Aussie coach who likes an attacking style of rugby, while we seem to have missed out now?

The longer this saga goes on the more I'm leaning towards a whole new fresh start... it's a risk but it surely can't leave us any worse than we are now?

Re: 2017 and Tony Smith : Fri May 05, 2017 8:06 pm  

easyWire wrote:

I feel a bit dirty saying this, but...

Am I the only one feeling a bit jealous that Saints have a much-plaudited young Aussie coach who likes an attacking style of rugby, while we seem to have missed out now?

The longer this saga goes on the more I'm leaning towards a whole new fresh start... it's a risk but it surely can't leave us any worse than we are now?

Any new coach is a risk and previous successes don't guarantee success at a new club !!

To be fair ont thing smith has got right tonight is his interchanges and timing !! Let's see how the game pans out whilst we didn't get a great start saints have not for one minute looked unbeatable tonight.


I also feel if the club had any inclination on getting rid would have done so by now based on the short term results and would have brought in new coach for the start of the season giving him a year to asses players and see who of the many out of contract are worth retaining and who he would prefer to replace any deemed not good enough or does not passes the abilities the new coach was looking for as that did not happen I don't feel the club is looking to replace him any time soon

Re: 2017 and Tony Smith : Fri May 05, 2017 9:50 pm  

easyWire wrote:

I feel a bit dirty saying this, but...

Am I the only one feeling a bit jealous that Saints have a much-plaudited young Aussie coach who likes an attacking style of rugby, while we seem to have missed out now?

Had you heard of Justin Holbrook before 2 days ago?

You never know, maybe this time next week Saints fans will be jealous of us for parting company with Smith and bringing in Bruce Didgeridoo, highly rated young coach of Coogee Dingoes 3rd grade who likes playing open expansive rugby.

Re: 2017 and Tony Smith : Fri May 05, 2017 9:55 pm  

We've signed Bruce Didgeridoo?! How come no one had wind of this before... he's the Messiah...

Re: 2017 and Tony Smith : Sat May 06, 2017 12:03 am  

Fantastic news! Is this the same Bruce Didgeridoo who coached Kookabura Screechers under 18's to the Baramundi Cup win in 1997?

Re: 2017 and Tony Smith : Sat May 06, 2017 12:56 am  

morleys_deckchair wrote:

Smith doesn't get involved directly with coaching the players anymore... to be fair, he didn't used to do much back when we were a decent side.. He left that to Poaching, who worked with the senior players on the style of rugby. I believe Michael Monaghan was one of, if not THE driving force behind the way that side played and the attack structure... These days Smith 'monitors' the training sessions, which are 100% run by Agar.

5 wins from the last 6 for Agar, no doubt the happy clappers will be trying to give TS credit for Agar's success.