I think the praise is slightly over the top myself. He's a slightly above average scrum half IMO who fits well into the Wigan team and systems. He is improving constantly to be fair.

He has a good kicking game the majority of the time but at times in big games he seems to find the fullback/wingers on the full regularly. He could do with adding to his running game as in tight games he doesn't have that game breaking quality that Blake Green has for instance. Although he has had the odd good performance in big games he has gone missing on Ocassions.

Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to bag him I think he is the top 3/4 scrumhalfs in the league but if he is England's answer at halfback we're seriously struggling IMO.

Undertakes the "Deacon" role perfectly as the main organiser. Is due a well earned rest as he must have played more than anyone else this season for us?

I think he's gone missing during a couple of big games too - e.g. the Challenge Cup V Cas. For me, the jury's still out.

He was mom against Hull FC at Wembley, in the play off game at Huddersfield, and played well at OT. Not a bad set of evidence in his defence.

Listen, Smith is a decent player. I think from a saints POV he didn't really fit in with our style of play. Long probably helped him a lot at Salford too.

The system at Wigan does bring the best out of him. He's not a flashy, or an expansive player and does thrive in a structured team. He doesn't have to do anything 'special' (off the cuff..) as his job was to give Green time to deliver the money ball to Tomkins/Bowen etc. Green is/was the real star of the show - you will miss him greatly.

He's said in the Wigan Observer he's going nowhere. He loves the club and is grateful for the opportunity that was given to him.

He's perfect for our system. Since Maguire our halfbacks jobs have been to make room for the outside backs and especially the fullback with quick ball movement. He does that and brings a very solid kicking game.

I remember thinking on Friday just how much we were missing Green.
Albion is clutching at straws (but still drowning).

I make a point of ignoring anyone who starts an opinion with the word "Listen"... You immediately know that said opinion will be total claptrap.

If you're basing anything on that game, the jury's back in & the judge has a black cap on. It was a bad day at the office for everyone.
I'd actually agree that Smith has to be in the running for a coup on Lockers' captaincy (if the worst happens & SOL's body gives up any time soon).

==when you compare sinfield IMO will never be a half back is picked before time served backs we are in trouble on the international scene.matty is short of a class standoff to work with!!

He's a really good solid player and is certainly up there amongst the best in Super League in his position.

Whilst that is the case though, the competition for that honour is rather meek, and he doesn't compare so well when looking at halves from the NRL, but then no Super League players do.