Quote: easyWire "Probably a minority view here, but I thought the TS era ended in 2013. We’d had five great years with a great squad, but Smith was unable to rebuild that squad when the big guns retired. 2016 was an anomaly for me. The competition was extremely poor that year and we fluked fhe leaders shield, fluffed the cup final, and never really looked favourites for the grand final.
I honestly think that the Saints. Leeds and Wigan of that era would have changed coach after 5 years. That’s the difference between the ruthless professional clubs and us. I am of course extremely grateful to Smith for being the most successful Wire coach of my generation.'"
Hard to argue with that, even as biased as I am. I think, Smith believed a bit too much in the ability to make do and mend. When we lost Briers (alongside Morley, Carvell & Hodgson), we just didn’t back fill. Russel, Ratchford and Myler we’re all dangerous but not directional, couldn’t get us around the field. 2014 was forgettable, but still got within touching distance of the grand final. In 2015 we brought in Clark and Sims but that just confirmed our ‘direct’ approach, just running off quick play the balls. We just didn’t get close that year.
We got a genuine half in 2016 and hit the ground running. But for a miracle Houghton tackle we would have had a CC in the bag and a real chance in the final. Sandow’s wheels falling off ultimately took the edge off our attack.
I’m not sure who is responsible, but there was a lack of intent in the market in that period. Wheeler, Bailey, England, Penny, Hughes etc. we’re all bargain buys. It wasn’t until Gidley and Sandow that we saw any real commitment to replace the leadership and creativity void.
