That in itself is a great complement to the lad. The fact that he knows to change his game style and not continue his greed of the ball in the more challenging game.

That shows alot of maturity and few young players would do that

Noble better show faith in him. Ainscough looks very good as well. IMHO Tomkins is better than Smith already, going forwards and in defence.

Noble isn't daft enough to drop these lads now.

I think as Offiah said - yesterday was a watershead in Nobles Wigan career. I understand why he doesn't just drop players for a youngster, but his stubborness to give any of them a run was becoming detremental.

Now with Tomkins & Ainscough in, Prescott can surely dislodge Coley and Hansen needs to step up his game with Mossop in waiting.

The interesting one now is McIllorum, I struggle to see where he fits in.

As for Mathers, he may as well start offering himself to other clubs. Our back 5 picks itself with Goulding, Phelps & Pryce providing the back up.

I said my report it was the small things that impressed me. Little clock killing kick into touch late on and on the back of that break after Ainscough had passed to Carmont watch as the Quins winger comes across to Carmont, Sam notices it and switches the angle of his run towards the becoming vacated wing, knowing that if Carmont got caught he was there. A small thing but great thinking support play that. Certainly from a player playing his first SL match.

I hope Noble see's it that way too

I think we have too many players covering the backline and for me the sooner Mathers and Phelps go the better

I think the balance of our squad is pretty poor at the moment and the recruitment pre season didn't help (buying a winger and hooker when we needed a prop and stand off)

Hopefully this will be adressed and sorted out at the end of this season

RL Express talks about Sam but has a picture of Joel.

only in rugby league

Just the point I made on page 3 of this thread. He is a very intelligent, gifted young player.

Smith can't do the same because he has no pace. If a player has pace he can get close to the attacker so he can get his arms around him to effect the tackle. Smith reaches out because he cannot get close, he can't get his shoulder in and as a result can't tackle.

And maybe it's then a problem with the 3 steps, and hold defence that Noble employs.

Would smith be better if we employed the "rush" defence?

Did sky actually mention that they were Brothers. I cant remember them saying it

Thought Sam Tomkins played well, and he surprised me in defence, as I haven't seen him play before. Showed a few nice touches and good organisation skills. He showed maturity beyond his years, as exemplified by his grubber into touch a couple minutes from time. I hope for the good of the game he carries on improving.

I think that would improve our defence overall not just smiths we may even start to force errors from our opposition for a change .

Decent comment from a Saints fan