He paid lip-service to Sam's talent by playing him against Wales. He was then hard-faced enough to read a preprepared script about how Sam didn't really cut it, despite Sam's strong showing. He was then free to play Myler against France (maybe fulfilling part of his promise to Myler when the lad signed for Wire), in the full knowledge that should Myler have a decent game against the French, which is highly likely and would be no measure of the lad at all, he will then be justified in picking him to face Aus.

Tony Smith was exposed by his complete lack of leadership and discipline during our last international escapade. That put a big questionmark against his ability. Thus far, this latest debacle puts a questionmark against his integrity. In any normal sport, he'd already have been shown the door, but RL in Britain, as we all know, is the ultimate case of lions led by donkeys - in which case Smith fits right in.

Personally, I'm with a lot of Wiganers on this one. How the hell you can pick an inexperienced player who hasn't played since about July is beyond me.

The thing thats pleased me most about the reactions to Sam being left out is that it's not only Wigan fans that are miffed about it and the majority of fans can see through Smiths motives for it happening.

As an England fan i'm still excited to see both Myler and Eastmond in action tonight as they're superb young players but bias aside i believe Tomkins has proved himself the best of the 3 yet he doesn't get a place. I can take him being left out on the chin but when Smith comes out and starts making ridiculous statements about 1 game or 3 trys not making a season it makes it really tough to take.

timesonline.typepad.com/rugby_le ... -east.html

timesonline.typepad.com/rugby_le ... -east.html

Read the link above or this one viewtopic.php?t=434850

Read the link above or this one viewtopic.php?t=434850

While I hope you are right and he plans to play Sam against Aus and NZ, I think this France game is bigger than people think, we should be playing a full team in preparation.

He's not saving him and he made that clear with his comments about Sam's one good game and 3 trys against Wales not making a season.

Until i saw that interview i too believed he may have been holding his 'ace card' back but it doesn't look to be the case.

We're playing what he believes is his full team.

I agree NK, I don't think we will see Sam featured, and I almost hope he doesn't, if I was Wigan I'd be recalling him. I'd rather see the golden boy smashed around by the aussie and kiwi pack than Sam.

Its simple really. Play his love child against France, a game we should win, then play tomkins against NZ and Australia where we lose. Myler looks good, Tomkins doesnt.

Tomkins should walk out of the camp, concentrate on his Wigan career, and then only consider returning to the international scene once Smith has gone (which wont be long).

Sam will probably play a part eventually because the side will more then likely struggle(especially next week) and there will then be enormous pressure on Smith to throw him in against the Kiwi's.

He'll come in for that game and if the side fails Smith will say 'i told you so' in that Tomkins wasn't quite ready to lead the side around the park.

If Smith believes Myler is more suited to leading the side around the park then Sam why has he picked Sinfield? Surely thats what he's in the side for because he's not in for his physicallity from the back of the pack. He's like having an extra halfback in your side which should then allow you to play a couple of exciting runners at 6 and 7.

Loved this comment left on there: