He will be sorely missed. He has progressed really well since Peet and his team took over in 202.
For me he was the best LF in SL by a country mile. A couple of years ago Knowles was probably the best “13” in the competition but he’s a good but a very one dimensional player and I’d take Smithies over him every day of the week.
His passing game has for me become a significant part of his role within the club and unless we find a suitable replacement it may mean a potential style of play next season. Maybe O’Neil is given the 13 shirt if the Farrell prove to be just rumours.
Personally i wouldn’t have Thompson anywhere near the 13 role as that would just be a third prop and for me a lazy option.

For me Smithies can leave with his head held high and I wish him every success in the nrl. I think that a few opposition fans will be in for a surprise when Smithies becomes the next Brit to be a success in the nrl competition.

Hope to see both go well. They’re chalk and cheese in playing styles but both have the games to really thrive. They’ll love Smithies aggression and workrate and KPP will be a handful running the ball wide and we’ll hopefully see a bit more of his offload game.

According to rugbyleagueontv on twitter, Newcastle v Canberra has been dropped from the Sky schedule tomorrow.

Really impressive debut from Smithies. They'll love his style over there and as gutting as it is to lose a lad like that, I think he's done the right thing for his career. The things he's exceptional at are valued massively in the NRL and he'll enhance his reputation massively. It's good to see these lads getting out of their comfort zones and testing themselves, even if you'd rather they stayed at Wigan.

Yes, very good debut. Kept himself busy, especially second half. Had the ball stripped one on one towards the end but other than that a rock solid performance. They'll love him over there. KPP got on for Newcastle in the second half. Nice couple of offloads from him and the commentators were impressed with his size. Looks to have filled out a bit. Two good lads who will flourish in the NRL

Yeah. Is the English game in such bad shape? I keep reading Aussie fans saying what a rubbish comp SL is, and didn't Gus Gould say Penrith would declare at half-time against Saints? I don't think so, despite the best efforts of the RFL! The NRL's best team has played Saints and Wigan, and only scored 12 points against each in two defeats. Which doesn't win you many games. Unless, of course, going by today's results, you are actually playing Penrith. In which case, it seems sometimes a mere eight points are sufficient! And I think Morgan and KPP will be good additions to the NRL.