I think that while on paper it looks like Smith has 'failed' in rugby union, it s important to look at his reasons for returning. It has been stated that he misses his family, and with a lttle boy, I am not suprised.
However I would have thought he would have played in more first team games during his time there.
IMO I really hope he will come back to Leeds.

Wow what incredible news!

Really really hope he comes to Leeds. GH must pull out all the strings to sign him.

How good was he before he left Leeds? = Outstanding, and he was only going to get better.

No one can tell me that Lee didnt know what direction he was going in when he asked for the release ?

It is clear that some communication happened between Lee and the hierachy at Leeds over the last week or 10 days, as he wouldnt have asked abt the loan move.

The warrrington link is a very new one ! it has not been common knowledge abt mr penney going to widnes, and also he would not have been on the most attractive salary, he wont be getting that much at widnes afterall even if they are full time !!

We need to look at the bigger picture, Keith is probably at the end this year certainly in the centre, Scotty could well be going home? Lee is a quality threequarter who we must not miss out on, we know what he can do, hes english, hes available

Come on Leeds sort it out

Try telling that to Gareth Thomas who got knocked out twice on his RL debut

The only way RU can be suprior is by the toughness and with the Thomas debut that is banished straight off. Certainly isnt superior due to skills.

I knew he'd be back but not this quick.

When will they learn?

Regarding Lee Smith, as i posted last year regarding his departure from the club, and that he wished to be closer to his girlfriend, who had a contract in the musical Hairspray, in London, hence his decision to choose Wasps as his new club

rumour has it that this musical has ended early, and that she is also moving back home earlier than was originally intended

Friends of his at Drighlington ARLFC reckon that he definately wants to return to the club should a deal be available to him from the Rhinos

2. Scott Donald (2010)
4. Keith Senior (2010)
9. Danny Buderus (2010)
12. Ali Lauitiiti (2010)
14. Matt Diskin (2010)
19. Ryan Bailey (2010)
24. Luke Ambler (2010)
26. Simon Worrall (Toulouse Loan) (2010)

Why did we offer Simon Worrall a new 1 year deal at the end of the season which he agreed, then he goes out on loan to Tolouse?

Lee Smiths younger brother still in the academy for the Rhinos? Danny I think his name is.

Experience?

It isnt us paying his wage anyway so whats the harm as it doesnt count on the cap does it?

I can't see why it wouldnt be possible to work something with Smith where he signs a 9 month contract for basically pennies then end of the season when Buderus goes and free's up some cap space we can look at re-doing Smith's contract.

Of course, Senior may also retire or not be offered a new deal giving us centre options of Watkins, Delaney and Smith (assuming the above happens with Smith signing for us).

Whatever happens Buderus wont be with us next season which gives us some space to play with.

Im sure i read an article a few weeks ago about Lauitiiti not ruling out the option of returning home to New Zealand/Australia?

My preference given out current situation would be to alloe buderus to return to newcastle as he seems to want that, we are more than covered in the hooker position with young mcshane, overall the benefit to the side would be where we need it most in threequarters.

I would thank me buderus and let him go home early this releasing some cap money, becasue if we miss Lee now that will be that

Ryan

Thats the one, he still at Leeds?