whatever the 'ins and outs' of th situation I wish Tony S
mith hadn't proffered an opinion on the matter it's really none of his business

I agree, TS didn't need to offer an opinion, I'm sure he would have been hacked off if another coach was commenting on Wire players

Exactly

It isnt very professional and serves no real purpose apart from winding people up, it's not like we are about to play against Brough and his mates in a big game or anything

Smith was probably asked the question and gave an answer.

He is a former England coach so its obvious people will ask him. He is telling it like it is Brough is a mard taking the mick out of national selection.

"I am fed up with not being choice for England so I'm off to play for Scotland". Obviously he has a burning desire to wear the England jersey. Bobby Moore would be proud.

Why? Smith has an opinion just the same as you; let him speak, even if you don’t agree with him, but on this occasion I think he’s right on the money.

hmmm, I hope that the comments of TS don't provide extra motivation for Brough for the CC match next month.

I'm not convinced by the he was simply answering a question defence, he could have simply responded with well it's between the player and the current England coach?

People that give answers are generally asked more questions not the other way around

I never said you disagreed with Smith, (I said, even if) I simply said that that he, like you has the right to voice his opinion. After all that’s what these boards are all about, debate, and we need something to fuel that debate don’t we, and as for those silly smilies emoticon things, don’t take offence hombre they are just peripheral decoration, and they don’t make your thoughts any more superior for not sticking one on.

Have to agree with this. I really like TS, he is a breath of fresh, honest, and a great 'people person', but sometimes it's best to keep your thoughts to yourself even if you have strong views.

The one thing I worry about, as has been said before - is the "coming back to bite you in the ass" part!!

Danny Brough will of taken Tonys comments on board, and may well have the game of his life when they next play us - in the Challenge Cup - or if not then, in the Play offs. For years I used to stand in the Fletcher Street end, and listen to us sing abuse to the oppositions best players, such as Greg Mackey, And Farrell, Paul Bishop, and in particular, Bobby Goulding, only to wind them up, and then rip us apart - just hope this doesn't happen here!!!

only difference was, we were crap back then.

I'd love to actually hear from the horses' mouth the reasons they both give for their actions, although i agree with Rico TS SHOULD have said 'No comment' i'm thinking deeper. I think maybe TS has probably very subtlety been McNamara's mouth piece on this, so i'm thinking i know McNamara's side of the story already.

The scrapping of GB and i think this is a major problem for the country hoppers, England is now seen as the 'top' team(even though they would be GB or no GB) but it makes players only really want to make themselves available for England.
Bring back a once every two years GB team.
Enforce rules of the first International team you play for, you play for life.
Bring in tournaments between the home nations, scrap the Exiles and have it running through the year, mid week games.

Stop players like Brough, Bridge, Evans brothers, Carvell, Grix and whoever else being put into the situation even remotely in which they almost feel compelled to only make themselves available for England.
We could grow the international game better if the players spread themselves out evenly between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and knowing that whoever they played for did no harm to their GB selection.

Quote: Fantastic Mr Catpiss "only difference was, we were crap back then.'" We were - but Salford were worse - but we would wind Goudling up - and he loved beating us - Alfie Langer and all!!! www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2001/ju ... andywilson

Quote: Fantastic Mr Catpiss "only difference was, we were crap back then.'" We were - but Salford were worse - but we would wind Goudling up - and he loved beating us - Alfie Langer and all!!! www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2001/ju ... andywilson