I hope that Smithy stays and fights for his spot as there's still a very talented player in there without a doubt

He needs flogging in the pre-season in order to get him back into his best physical shape though, as he has looked a pale shadow of his former self since his return from the "Kick and Clap" brigade

Smith is not the player he was since his return from Wasps. Also there are stories that McD does not rate him highly. Things change but the indications are that he will leave. Then BJB to fullback. Also that rumour of Webb swapping with Kevin Locke seems appealing but it will never happen!

But as rhinoms stated the mcshane leaving as he wasn't rated by mac resulted in a new 4 yr deal.
The truth is none of us know what's going on within the squad

Agree with this entirely. Smith also had the knack of putting in his best performances in the really big games.

Apparently, on his return, he had the highest body-fat index in the squad. He's going to have to work really hard to get back to his pre-yawnion form.

Would not mind this at all to be honest, look to the future and move BJB to full back, hopefully Smith can regain some form next season and prove the doubters wrong. However, I think Hardaker is the better centre out of the two and would have Smith on the wing.

I dnt think putting bjb at FB is the answer he has looked extremely suspect under the high ball all season made a hash of a few kicks in the grand final i would rather get smith fit and see how he goes

Webb to Warriors sounds daft and illogical with Locke being the incumbent FB.

IF Webb does go then I'm in the Smith to FB camp. Give the lad a chance to prove his worth with an EXTENDED run in the position.

I agree BJB looks a little suspect under the high ball. Hardaker would go well there, but that is because he is an exceptional talent who would go well in any back position ( inc stand off ). Watkins too has played FB. Plenty of options.

i see DP was saying that hardaker could play at the highest level at SO, he certainly has the footwork, pace, and remember earlier in the season when he scored twice against catalans, when he was coming infield looking for the ball, and turning to my bro, and saying the kid would be a great 1 or 6 in the long term.

I think we'll make one more signing but like everyone has already stated we should only do so, if he is of the right quality

Why give Lee Smith a "stab" at Full Back ?? He has shown to be more than capable when he plays there. Seem that he is not being given a chance with your (now) "Super Coach".

Time will tell !

Yes sorry Ferdy - it has been a long day But I really believe that Lee Smith has been given a raw deal from this Coach. If Lee was given a real chance; then he can play either FB, Centre or Wing. Apologies again Ferdy - I will read your posts in more detail mate

Smith has e ability ,we all know that .Tony Smith knew how to handle him 2007 it looked like Smith was a goner,Smithy made him water carrier ,not even on the bench,it was just the kick up the backside he needed .If he went anywhere I wouldnt be surprised if TS took hime to Wire

It shouldn't require a coach to drop a player for them to know they're not playing well. Players also know better than anyone else how fit/unfit they are. Smith is old enough to not need hand-holding in either regard.

Whilst Smith hasn't had lots of opportunities this season he hasn't taken the opportunities that he was given. In his present state he seems too slow to present a threat at either full back, wing or centre and doesn't give a big defensive display to make up for that lack of attacking threat.
Now I wouldn't necessarily advocate getting rid of him because he's useful backup and I don't think 1 poor season is reason enough to get rid of a player but unless he really turns around his physical attributes and his form then he'd be well behind the likes of Watkins, Hardaker, Jones-Bishop, Webb, Delaney & Ablett for a spot in the team. And I certainly wouldn't be happy going with him as first choice full back in his current state, if Webb were to leave.


Got to agree with you there, Brisbane.