I originally thought I would play Ward at 6 as he could do the job far better than Sutcliffe or Moon but decided our right side defense needs beefing up as a priority. So I went with Cuthbo at 6 as he has a good offload game and is aware.

But I do agree with you Smith could do the job very well and like Ward has experience in the 6 position and only a few games ago put in an excellent short kick for Briscoe to score (I think it was Briscoe)

What is clear is that Moon is leaving (or already mentally left) and has totally failed to provide the link or game management and has been hiding in the left centre position. Had Watkins been fit I would have dropped Moon by now and I say this as a previous big Moon fan, but he has let himself down badly this year.

Hopefully the new Messiah will realise the value that Jimmy brings to this team , or will he also be blinded by Golden boys perceived yet never visible star quality ?

He's not the Messiah,,,,,,,,,,,,,,he's just a very naughty boy !

Smith still sees himself as a stand off.

Cuthbertson would be a disaster IMO. Just because someone can offload (half the time onto the floor) doesn't make them a playmaker. James Graham was a far better passer of the ball, and whilst having him as an extra pivot worked for a while his general lack of speed including passing ended up making the Dogs a dour attacking side.

So does Jordan Abdull - doesn't make it right - Smith is far too slow to play stand off now especially his passing. We may be desperate for a 6 but Smith is not the answer even short term. What is very disappointing is there hasn't been a quality half back produced through the junior system for 15 years and there doesn't look like being one on the horizon.

Defending on the fringes would suit Cuthbertson's lack of desire for the tough stuff.

There is. Harry Anderson is miles better than the current under 19’s, and potentially a good future star, who can also play other pivot roles. Haven’t we also just signed the current French academy half?

And Smiths passing is not slow, the kid has a brain. His footwork is slower now, due to the weight added to him to try and make him a prop. He isn’t no long term answer agreed, but could do the job this weekend.

Lets be honest, Moon's shocking at 6. Sutcliffe is anonymous. Almost any option beyond those two might be better. For someone like Smith what you could do is plan for him to get himself involved as a pivot during the game without putting the pressure on him by picking him as 6 from the outset.

. For someone like Smith what you could do is plan for him to get himself involved as a pivot during the game without putting the pressure on him by picking him as 6 from the outset.'"

Smith needs to loose about 10kg or covert that to muscle over the off season otherwise he may turn into Danny Sculthorpe.

I was very impressed with Sutcliffe at SO a couple of years ago but am am losing belief. He doesn't have the pace or bottle for FB, the pace for centre, the bottle for LF. That leaves him as a SO or bust.

Walters needs dropping....to league 1

Squad is:

Golding
Briscoe T
Sutcliffe
Hall
Moon
Myler
Cuthbertson
Singleton
JJB
Ablett
Ward
Dwyer
Mullally
Keinhorst
Ferres
Peteru
Walker
Oledzski
Crosby

Looks to be picking the old guard again, that just go missing !