Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 01, 2016 8:56 am  

dave1612 wrote:

Sky just reported Saints are in for Smith. Usually pretty reliable with their stories, one of the first to report FPN to Wigan

Trying not to get my hopes up too much because I can't see why Saints would sign him, but this would be a real signal of intent for us to regularly win trophies.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 01, 2016 11:49 am  

I'd be upset to see him go, he's miles better than TL IMO.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 01, 2016 12:16 pm  

post wrote:

I'd be upset to see him go, he's miles better than TL IMO.

I wouldn't say 'miles better'; they have different strengths, put it this way. TL looked effective and dangerous in attack against the Sharks the other day, and they are one of the best sides in the comp.

Anyway, why all the debate? Shorrocks will be our new #7.

[Pemps]

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 01, 2016 1:32 pm  

I would imagine Tommy will be a stop gap and we'll gradually feed Shorrocks into the first team over a two year period.

I'd be happy with that idea.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 01, 2016 1:50 pm  

Grimmy wrote:

Trying not to get my hopes up too much because I can't see why Saints would sign him, but this would be a real signal of intent for us to regularly win trophies.

Getting rid of Smith is a sign of intent?see who we replace him with before stating that.if it's Tommy I don't think there is a great deal between the two,just hope he's on less ££ so it free's some up for other positions.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 01, 2016 2:17 pm  

I just think TL suits our style a lot more. Even ardent Smith fans have to admit his passing is absolutely atrocious l.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 01, 2016 2:51 pm  

Wigg'n wrote:

I just think TL suits our style a lot more. Even ardent Smith fans have to admit his passing is absolutely atrocious l.

And even his biggest critics would have to admit that atrocious is over the top with regards to his passing. My passing is atrocious, Smith's is certainly not that. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you mean average or something.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 01, 2016 3:25 pm  

I gave Smith a lot of slack over the last couple of seasons but I got to a point where I wouldn't be unhappy to see him replaced. The best I can say about him is that he puts a lot of effort in and is at best, steady. The odd good game and the odd drop goal whilst they may have been important to us, do not mean he is good enough. His passing accuracy is poor, he's slow, his kicking often goes straight down the full backs throat... he gets caught out in defence too.
I'd be happy to see TL (or Soward) come in for 2 seasons whilst we see how Shorocks progresses and if he doesn't make the grade, look to bring somebody else in. This season, the club seem to be recruiting very well, almost like they realise what the fans have been saying for a while, that we have over-relied on youth.
We are not far off building a side that could dominate rather than just challenge and I just hope we can take that step forward.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 01, 2016 3:35 pm  

PurpleCheeseWarrior wrote:

And even his biggest critics would have to admit that atrocious is over the top with regards to his passing. My passing is atrocious, Smith's is certainly not that. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you mean average or something.

Ok fair. I would say it's below average then. The amount of passes he puts to ground must be some sort of record! It's killed so many attacking moves this year. I also feel he should run at the line a lot more, when he does it and actually accelerates through defenders he can break a line well.

However I am realistic and willing to accept his long and goal kicking game is improving and he does seem to know what to do in a close game. And defensively there are worse HBs in SL.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 01, 2016 4:27 pm  

I've got to admit I'm on board with those who slate his passing. It's nowhere near good enough for a top level halfback. He and us must have broke some sort of record this year for passes hitting the floor rather then the man! I think we only need to look at his assist tally to see that there's clearly issues in regards to that.

I say all that but I'd still be worried to see him go. I'd mainly be worried in regards to kicking, both from distance and from the tee. He may only be a 70% or so so goalkicker but aside from him I don't see anyone in our squad who'll kick at much above 50%. His long know kicking game is also very good when it's on form and his drop goals this year have proved in valuable and have made up some of the short fall from his goalkicking.

I'm confident he'll be with us next year tbh. I think Wanes a big fan and I get the sense the Saints rumours are just that. If I had to nail my colours to the mast I'd say I'm in the 'stay' camp (doubt we'll get 34m opinions on this one) because it's probably better the devil you know. I think he suits our style of play and his passing should improve with his increased confidence (I think it has already to a degree).