I dont think he needs to take on the line alot to be honest. We saw today how dangerous Tomkins is as a runner and his style can complement Smiths distributing and organising.

I don't mean take on the line a lot, just a few times to keep them guessing. I don't mind if he is tackled, just having a go would be fine.

Agree entirely - Tomkins needs a player like Smith to get the best out of his undoubted talents - he was doing far too much first receiver distribution playing alongside Leuluai, whereas his strengths clearly lie in broken field running and support play. Just hope that Smith's defence is up to the task against better teams - time will tell.

If Noble has any sense, then he would keep the same halfbacks and use Leuluai as interchange hooker when Sam comes off the bench. Unlucky for McIllorum, but I think his distribution is just a little too slow and ponderous from dummy half for us to carry him in the 17 unless there are injuries.

If he does keep Smith in the team, I dont think Noble will put Leuluai on the bench. I'd imagine one of Smith or Tomkins will start the game on the bench.

I watched the Footy show this week and they were talking about Campese and whether he should play 6 or 7, they came to the conclusion that he plays too spontaneous and spare of the moment to be a first reciever and benefits from playing at 6.

After seeing Tomkins today I cant help thinking the same logic applies.

His range of passing is far more of an asset than taking on the line - which he isn't particularly good at from previous evidence. We were spoiled in having Barrett at half back who was one of if not the best halfback in SL at taking the ball into the line. But even then his impact dulled as defences got familar. We have two other half backs (Leuluai and Tomkins) who are far better than Smith at taking on the line. Here's a thought why not use them in attacking structures to utilise the things that they are good at and avoid their weaknesses, rather than expecting Smith to be something he never will be.

I didnt go to the game today but sounds like Smith had a good game, I really rate this player and he has a huge amount of potential. His attacking play is superb. If he can play behind a good pack and improves his defence, then I would much rather see him and Tomkins in the halves with Tommy as the replacement hooker instead of McIlorum.

The flashiest half backs are usually those that play off the cuff - Tomkins has the skills to be one of the best if used correctly. What he doesn't need at this stage of his career is the responsibility of organising the attacks and distributing the plays. TL strength isn't in this area either as first receiver - he is better at dummy half, so it makes no real sense to play them together in the halves. Both need a Smith to buy them the freedom to utilise their talents. TL has the added bonus of being able to switch to hooker on the interchange and actually is a better fit there to allow all 3 to be on the pitch at once.

If our pack could actually establish some consistent dominance against decent opposition, we could be devastating in attack given time considering the quality in our outside backs and the presence of Hock / Lockers on the fringes. At the minute, the pack is dominated week to week and makes the halves look a lot worse than they are.

Fingers crossed that if Smith gets a run in the team, that his weaknesses in defence can be masked a little by the presence and experience of Gleeson and Lockers either side. If Saints can find a defensive scheme to accomodate a poor defender like Long for a decade, then a half decent coach should be able to protect Smith from being exposed.

I thought Smith was OK today. In a good team with people running for him he would be very good.He passes quickly and flat (bit of a novelty in the last few years) organises if the players will actually move into positiion and his distribution is better than anyone else. This is because nobody takes contol.

Similarly Gleeson seems lights years ahead of the others wants the ball, can beat a man, and has a quick play trhe ball however the others are not on thye same wavethength. I am quite/very impressed with him so far, he seems to want to play.

Smith MOM was the right decision for me.
His pass to Lockers which put him into the space for the try was brilliant, the pass of the match.
Very similar to last year's Barrett pass to Joel Tomkins which created quite a few tries.
His dummy when Roberts scored had me looking the other way too. That was outstanding.
I do think today's 17 will be Noble's first choice for the rest of the season injuries permitting.
Smith 6, TL 7, Piggy 9.
Piggy sub'd and TL to 9 Sam T from the bench to 6 or 7.
Smith and Sam T changed around from 6 to 7 in the game.
Smith must start next week and do 80 mins.

Bit harsh on Ainscough who has taken his opportunity very well.

Not saying he has areas he needs to work on but he is a natural try scorer.

At one point early on Smith split the winger and full back and turned them with a kick to the corner - the guy a couple of seats down from me said "ohhh, sign him up for the latics." He just isn't going to get a fair chance off some people.