I agree about Smith in that we are asking too much and he requires a stand off.

However I am not of the view that Sykes returning will solve everything. We dropped very lucky with Sykes
he came as a three quarter player to provide a problem to our goal kicking. He did a very good job when moving to stand off but the guy is now 33. He may well do a good job next season, but if he doesn't or injuries catch up with him
I think our back up options are limited in such a vital season.

Absolutely correct.
With 1 play maker in the team (aside from breaks by Aiton or Ali) Smith becomes an easy man to mark and effectively take out of the game.
We need some help for the guy.
Sykes has done a useful job when fit but we have lacked adequate cover when he has been absent and we become one dimensional.
Having said that, we have scored as many points this season as Saints (5th in the league) and if believe the stats, it's our defence which needs more attention.

Getting back to the topic, if we let Smith go, we will be utterly rudderless and "looking forward" to the CC.

Regarding Sykes, I'd play him at 13 next season, obtain an experienced stand off (easier said than done) and then we would have 3 pivots. Ah, the good old days.

Back row is already packed out. No need to add there, though I see your point about LF having ball skills.

When we had the pivots we didn't have the runners anyway! Now we have neither pivots nor runners just uninspiring nothingness

If we are talking of getting another half back who can take the line on then why not move Tim Smith to Stand Off.Lets face it its where he would have played in the 70s 80s with a scrum half who would have done just that take the line on when needed.

Why not add another player with issues? Brett Seymour anyone!!

Cas bound Hopefully

Digger Land then, should suit him.

Funny you guys work a year behind me! What did I say about Washbrook all along! A tackler thats it we may aswell get a lad from Eastmoor to do a job he does.

Crazy...Sykes has never played at loose and won´t last 2 minutes there and will be ineffective. tautai at loose with Sykes at 6 but a good back up at 6 or some trust in Goulding or kaye to have a go there as their natural position instead of lee Smith....

Sykes could play loose forward but he probably wont.