Roberts is injured.

The concern for me is that although Smith says the playing roster will look much different next year, the outside backs are pretty much what was planned for and will be mostly the same aside possibly Martin (let's hope) and that forward pack apart from Sangare is of Smith's design too mostly. And yes a good spine makes a huge difference but theres also shortcomings in the areas that have been addressed.

From Smith's interview I'm sure theyd see a 6th place next year as within the clubs expectations of progress.

You need a Rohan Smith voodoo doll for Christmas mate.

The truth is probably that RS isn’t the finished article as a coach but he isn’t responsible for most of the issues with the squad. Looks like the Austin situation for one was between the player and GH.

I agree our structure is a shocker but that’s why RS is bringing in Frawley and Miller. We just need to wait and see which other players sign and then after another pre/season I’ll be with you sticking pins in if things haven’t improved.

You can’t coach players in one year to magically acquire a world class kicking game or passing game Tad.

We need better players it’s simple. Maybe a new coach too but I think you’ve been reading too much into it because you just don’t like him - fair enough.

Good to see the usual brainless comments about it all being Smith's fault. Did you really expect Leeds to win with the team we had out?

Look at the amount of salary cap sat in the stands, missing in Australia somewhere, or allowed to leave mid-season to play for other clubs. There are questions about management at the club but I fail to see how they can all be laid at the door of the head coach.

By the way, we played the top team in the league today who put in a big performance over 80 minutes.

Let's just say we sack Smith now. Whoever comes into replace him will have his hands tied for the next few years on contracts and the playing roster. It just doesn't make sense to remove him at all. This isn't soccer you know.

like I said, can't criticise rohan.
losing happens. losing in that manner, and throughout the season he takes responsibility. he is a nowhere near good enough

Tad theres a difference, you can criticise whoever you like, other posters can also disagree. Personally I think there's so much that I like about him and a lot that I don't and I really don't know how the all important opening to next year will go.

Criticise him all you like tad, just use rational arguments. Hurt feelings after a loss need a vent, I get that, but is it really all Rohan's fault?

Apologies, didn’t realise Roberts was injured Seth.

Agree with rest of your post. To attempt to offer some optimism on the pack, I am hoping having Martin back in the second row will add some punch. Mik can’t possibly be as off form next year either. Last bit is more of a stretch, but I think Holroyd has maybe hit the wall this year. It’s the most pro games he’s played. Perhaps he burns hotter for longer next year.

I am also coming round to the idea that a 9 would help the pack a lot, granted the quota spot is probably more needed for the second half back though.

For me the worst thing we could do now is change the coach: we need time to repair the squad, have a full pre-season and regroup with some fresh blood and new ideas.

Actually a big concern or mine is that pack because it just really isn’t matching the top sides and that needs fixing up.

Agree with this. The way this season has gone, Smith will be under serious pressure if we start the next season in the same vein as 2023. Let's say we're well outside the top 6, 10 games in, and we're potentially looking at another season gone.

No one has said you can’t criticise RS.

What you seem to think is that people shouldn’t have a different opinion

fair enough mate.

the coach is the most important man. he sets the standards. he sets out how you play. he organizes, sets the game plan.
After nearly a full season I've no idea how he wants to play. his style chops and changes. forwards aggressive and dominating back to passive defending, short kick offs. I fully accept injuries but you have to compensate for that. have a plan. we look a total shambles. I gave absolute no faith in him, or his assistant coaches either. we have been utterly dreadful for the vast majority of the season and he has take a good chunk of the blame.

We’ve got 2 Quota spots available with Nene going. I wish the Levi signing had come off TBH

That could also have affected the players

Short kick offs was scrapped after the first game. I think he knows how he wants the team to play but we don’t have the personnel to do it.

The club’s mismanagement has led to the embarrassing performance and result today.

From Leeming leaving and others following and none being replaced, injuries and concussions.

But also Smith and GH have recruited and retained many clearly second rate players.

And yet again today we barely played the ball in the Wigan 25. This has happened in many games when we had far more players available and is due to the passive approach of the coach.

IF this was one of the other big clubs like Wigan or Saints, both GH and Smith would be removed due to underperforming.

It urgently needs to happen but won’t.