FORUMS > Wigan Warriors > Smithies Departure Confirmed. |
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4067_1617434324.jpeg 1998,2010,2013,2016,2018 & 2023.....I was there
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| Quote: cadoo "Well firstly I think we have respect Smithies for his efforts this year. Along with KPP, he has not dipped at all despite knowing he was leaving and if anything both their form just got better and better. I think both will do well in the NRL and will have a great career over there.
The bitter blow and I can only echo the comments from all on here is that we continually lose these lads. It is what has in my eyes held us back from sustained success like Leeds and St.Helens when they've had dominant spells - both clubs managed to retain that core group of players.
And yet I find it hard to be critical of the club for their approach with respect to having an open and honest culture with the players about their ambitions so they can recruit a replacement, secure a significant transfer fee etc and respect the wishes of the player, which will be the reason why KPP and Smithies continued to give their all and more for us and we ended up with a Grand Final.
The bigger issue is wider for the game. For young, unmarried, ambitious and talented RL players Super League is a stepping stone and the premier competition (and better lifestyle) is in the NRL. I wish we could keep them - I don't have the answer how we can do it.
We have made some great signings for next year, but talk of any "dynasty" will depend on us securing Harry Smith to a long term deal and trying to keep either French or Field (preferably both of course) for the next 2-3 years. We have Smith, French and Field all out of contract in 2024 (albeit with options for 1 and 2 years with French and Field - no idea in whose favour).'"
Tying players down to long term contracts means nothing if we keep letting them go mid contract, so we can forget any talk of a dynasty.
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| 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.
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| According to rugbyleagueontv on twitter, Newcastle v Canberra has been dropped from the Sky schedule tomorrow.
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| 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.
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| Quote: NickyKiss "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
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| 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.
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