You're not seriously attributing George Williams' success to Matty Smith are you? Totally different players, Williams causes problems in attack, defends well and I can't remember him ever going missing in big games. Playing badly on the odd occasion, yes, but never going missing. Did you see the interview with Smith ahead of the Grand Final? He said words to the effect of never really getting involved in the last two Grand Finals and letting them pass him by. How can anyone accept that from a first choice scrum half at a top team?

With regards to medals, Ricky Bibey won two challenge cups, Richie Mathers won the same plus two World Club Challenges, it doesn't mean they were quality players.

From a Wigan POV i cant believe your happy Smith has left if the replacement is Leuluai. The blokes worse than everything Matty Smith stands for.

I've watched Tommy Leuluai this year playing in the halves for NZ Warriors and he's been very good, so good he's been selected for New Zealand in the four Nations games.

Let's just hope he can kick on the 3rd tackle.

Rogues his been poor. He gets absolutely slated on the official new zealand watriors forum. He was a poor half back 4 years ago. His been selected because of his versatility and experiance.

Are you for real. Leuluai has been holding down a regular place in a NRL side. How many current Super League halfbacks do you think could do that, certainly not (and I like and rate the guy) Matty Smith.

He was holding down a permanent spot only because roger was injured so they moved lolohea to full back. That left them only sean johnson fit and he was injured nor a number of weeks.

Leuluai played his best rugby for Wigan at 9. I remember these boards well around the time he used to get slated by wigan fans for having a poor kicking game and not leading the team around the park. He had the outstanding grand final against saints that saved his bacon

He got that because he agreed to leave.

Aye NZ Warriors; even rat boy got a game there.

Do you genuinely think that?

I was surprised when I heard wigan signed Leulai, but he is definately still worth a shot as 9 and half back utility, maybe Wigan see him moving into coaching a bit there as well?

I don't think he is the world beater he was when the Kiwis won the World Cup.

It'll be interesting to see where, and how he plays for New Zealand in the forthcoming games. Regarding Smith I told everyone on here and Red Vee that the deal was agreed months ago, and as I said that was confirmed by Ian Lenagan on Tuesday.

Which would suggest it wasn't a reward for his sterling services but an offer too good for Wigan to refuse to offload an average player?

No, it was as a reward for his service and the fact that he was being offered a four year (3 + 1) contract at Saints, so Wigan didn't stand in his way for a move that would be in the best interests of him and his family. They haven't been averse to letting players move on over the last few years have they?
Just have a listen to Lenagan at Tuesdays dinner on Wigan t.v.