The whole sport in the UK is in decline, not just Wigan. I'm generally in agreement with you and have posted many times along similar lines (centres doing a props job, etc). Neither am I an out and out SW fan but I am certain we will play with more flair when our troops return from injury. However, the fare on offer will be thin gruel compared to the NRL.
Re MM he plays 50 odd minutes not 40 and you can't call SOL a prop and still insist Williams is a 7 IMO. Finally, where's that good chippy you mentioned because they too are in sad decline IMO

Smith apologists need to watch Sandow's performance against Cas last night. Incredible. Now that's a #7.

The problem with Smith is because his skill set is so limited, it looks so much worse on the field when he has a bad game. Other halfbacks might have games where their basic skills let them down but might be able to cover it up with one moment of brilliance - match winning pass or run for example.

Itchy> This game seems to be youtube already. Really good performances at 1, 6, and 7. Well worth a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2Purg4HR94 I reckon all the NRL games plus international and SoO on my laptop for eleven quid a month, or whatever it is, is a bargain, especially compared to the drivel you have to listen to on Sky. Although don't get me wrong, the Aussies have their share of dull clunkers just like we do. But sometimes... I was going to ask about the chippy too!

Itchy> This game seems to be youtube already. Really good performances at 1, 6, and 7. Well worth a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2Purg4HR94 I reckon all the NRL games plus international and SoO on my laptop for eleven quid a month, or whatever it is, is a bargain, especially compared to the drivel you have to listen to on Sky. Although don't get me wrong, the Aussies have their share of dull clunkers just like we do. But sometimes... I was going to ask about the chippy too!

There's two ways to ask this question.

1. Is he good enough?
2. Is he the right player for Wigan?

I'd sooner answer number 2. Answer is, no I don't think he is, but that's not his fault. Wane and IL haven't replaced Green with a like for like. Williams is good, but he's no Blake Green or Brett Finch. Smith needs a player of that caliber to allow him do what he does well. Now he doesn't have that he's exposed for what he is, limited and good for certain things.

Smith can get by with talent around him, he can do the basics very well, and that works in the right environment, remove the talent from around him and rely on him to create and it's game over.

Is he even good at the basics?

For about 18 months now his passing has been poor, he drops easy catches, tackling is average and his kicking from hands is nothing short of a disgrace. Not to mention his lack of pace, footwork and inability to put a player through a gap. Goal kicking has improved a bit I guess.

Have to agree with that. Despite all the comments about the low standard in SL, the sad fact is, *most* SL sides seem to have a better 7 than Smith.

I agree. It surely must reveal something when his best two performances since signing for us have been played in poor weather conditions.

Hull FC - Challenge Cup Final (Lance Todd)
Third Test versus NZ last year. (MOM)

Now for these awards did he score spectacular tries? No
Did he put players into space to score? No

Instead he calmed things down, took control of ball distribution (nothing fancy like) and his place kicking suffocated the opposition to death...that was about it.

I will admit that his two drop goals in the final 5 minutes against Hull was outstanding, but we were well in a position to win that game with ease and let Hull back in.

The good stuff continues in the second half, Itchy. Tedesco is a bit special.

Yeah, 6 might be a bit early on a 'normal' Friday, but Good Friday with the afternoon KO means an early start. I took my bike to be serviced this morning, and I was assured I'd get it back by Wednesday. Else it'll be the train, but either way I'd prefer to have time to drop by bags and stuff off at the hotel in Wigan before heading to Saints.

On that, I thought at the time of the WCC games that one of the things England fans always used to console themselves with years ago was the idea that at least we played 'proper' rugby, with forwards and backs all having their own roles, whereas the NRL produced large powerful 'everymen', combined second rower and centre, the likes of Matt Gilett say, or Joel Thompson. But the Cowboys beat Leeds by their magnificent forwards providing the platform for JT to his stuff, and the other two games went likewise. And other currently successful teams in the NRL like the Tigers are doing likewise. The point, of course, is to have the halves and outside backs with the wit and skill to take advantage of that platform.

Tedesco has had appalling luck with serious injuries, he's missed whole seasons before I think, leading to fears he'd lose his electrifying pace, but fortunately he still has it.