NickyKiss wrote:
With the right personnel around him he certainly does. When he was alongside Green and had Tomkins at fullback he was just the job but when those two left he really struggled. He’ll be better for Wire than Patton is when he plays with Ratchford and Austin.
I think when's all said and done his career will reflect his ability. Played his part in a strong Wigan team winning some silverware which lead to an England call up. Been a good player, just not a world beater, but not many players are.
His lack of pace and ability to take on the line is my main criticism of Smith. Good kicking game, well organised, good passer, but never posed a real threat with ball in hand. Having that acceleration and movement can scare an opposition line, and in turn improve a players passing game as the defensive line moves out of position to close down space aware of a running threat, in turn this creates more space out wide allowing a half to put others through gaps.
At times I remember the opposition line giving Smith plenty of space edging closer to the outside backs knowing he wasn't going to take on the line, or that he'd be quickly caught if he went for the gap.
Overall Smith should be proud of his career, England call up, played in some big games and won some medals.
Plus, is there another player who can say they've played for Saints, Wigan, Widnes and Warrington?
