Paul McShane.

No question, the 2011 Lee Smith was well off the boil in terms of fitness. He wasn't close to being at the races.

But to me his fitness and attitude are one and the same thing.

Before the 2011 season he had a full pre-season to get himself physically ready to get ripped and to fight for his shirt. Through the season he struggled to get selected and his form when he did play backed the coaches decision up. So he wasn't heavily involved in game time, so his fitness should have been nailed on. Failed application of mind and body. Unless there was an injury for a full season.

And those who wax lyrical about his 'excellent' performance at full back against Wakie (who had their cue on the rack) need to look at themselves for reading anything else into a strong performance against a weak team amongst a side where everyone looked strong.

Nor is this the first time Smith has failed to take opportunities to establish a spot in the 1st team. Remember, he was given the full back shirt after Mathers injury then lost it to Tansey. A pattern is emerging of a talented player who appears to be sufficiently motivated on an inconsistent basis.

He is, quite rightly, down the pecking order with the young, fast, talented outside backs we have but if they can keep him happy and get him motivated he's a handy lad to have around

Didn't Tony Smith once drop him and made him water carrier and he came back strongly and got international recognition

All I am wary of is questioning his general attitude and commitment when none of us know what his personal and/or health circumstances have been. There are all kinds of reasons why people don't have their "heads in the right place" and assuming laziness and arrogance should not be the first recourse, particularly when peering in from the outside.

As I mentioned previously the interview in the league weekly from Brian McDermott it alludes to the fact both his fitness and attitude were wrong and that they had a meeting were the air was cleared.

He states he has been going well in training and appears to knucled down. And would play prop now if asked to although he prefered spot is full back.

Something along the lines of "he has won alot of trophies but needs to have the attitude of someone who hasn't won anything