Good call - he wouldn't take any crap from the likes of Newman

13 isn't in the spine. The spine is 1,6,7 and 9.

As an aside, years ago I remember listening to a discussion about why British halfbacks are generally useless, and one of the reasons they suggested was the British obsession with ball handling 13s. At the time I thought that was OTT, having been brought up watching Norton, Heron, Crane, Hanley etc, but I do think its part of the problem. Cleary, DCE, Reynolds etc do not need any 'help' setting up plays from a lumbering forward with the odd pass. Some Aussie forwards can pass really well (Wade Graham for example), but generally the 13 is a mobile prop in the NRL, and its been that way for decades.

If you asked all the people on here what is the spine everyone apart from yourself they would say 1,6,7,9 &13. We must agree to differ on that. Most on here would see Cameron Smith as ball playing forward.

The NRL is a different game to here far more evolved - the back row is 3 players most of the 13's in the NRL are closer to a second row forward than a prop i.e. fast running forward that has footwork and passing skills not just another battering ram. How best describes Carrigan at the Broncos who plays Lock as they call the 13 - a prop or a second row forward?

13 isn’t a spine player

Nope, loose forward isn't a spine position any more. The modern role of the fullback has replaced it. Still useful to have a 13 who can play a bit though.

I stand corrected

Lots of rumours going round as there will be in times like this .rumours of Ill disciplin turning up late for training or not turning up at all .

Yep its Rowley for me too

Gannon is a standoff now so not really likely.

This schtick of yours is getting tiresome now, thank god it’s the off season soon.

Have you met my wife?

Take the point but Cameron Smith has his hands on the ball more than our halves or FB this year so he is a spine player at Leeds.

He should watch that LF, Yeo at Penrith he is often second receiver, gets deep into the line before passing.class act.

Next year for me Cam Smiyh needs to speed up his passing and need 2 halves that at times tell him to get out of the way.

Agree, I think it's come to the point where he has become a spine player because of the complete dearth, especially of late, of natural organisers. Next year that should be sorted and I'd like to see him try to play through the line more. He's not without size and if he can develop a round the back offload he can set himself apart from many of his peers in the English game.

You are probably right. I really like the way he plays - not the same as Danny Mags but offers a real running threat and skilful too.