Great news , he's earned the deal on his form this season . We all know we are in a transition period but along with picking up quality signings we have to secure our quality younger players , it shows thankfully were not just looking at what NRL player we can get .

Actually as part of the ball-playing spine, it's really important to secure Smith.

The side has been really unbalanced for a long time. If we get these key positions settled, then we can effectively recruit into the gaps rather than some of the panic moves we've seen, or the previous apathetic / arrogant recruitment into a successful side.

I know we're stacked out for talent in the back row going forward, I expect Holroyd to come through too.

The side is shaping up nicely.

What a difference a few weeks makes to peoples outlook

It's not unusual for homegrown players to do this. JJB had his doubters before he really came into his own; Stevie Ward also went through a lacklustre patch.

Difference for me this year is his improved physicality. I've said before but he sailed through the junior ranks looking like a different animal to his peers, but it's taken a while to take that on to open age. He still has a way to go but people forget how young he is.

difference is the coach. agar, and fair play to him, knows he is a loose forward and plays him there.
McDermott played him at prop. like he did everyone

Holroyd could be special. It will come down to his own mental and physical strength. Hes got everything to be a real player.

I feel things are coming together in rebuilding the squad . The Lights getting closer ,not there yet ,but at least we're in the tunnel

yeah with forwards, props especially its hard to say for a while if they have what it makes to graduate. easy to look dominant against softer, smaller kids but once you come up against bigger pros it becomes a different game.

I think Holroyd is about 120kgs and surprisingly quick - it'll be the pros getting trampled more than likely!

He also has some handling skills and plays aggressive. Like a quick Shane Webcke but needs to mature and harden up.