2nd post on this thread

As I stated in another thread the other week, at this moment in time Ablett is the best centre at the club, by some distance.

Hardaker and Watkins have masses of talent and potential upside but neither are capable, right now, of the kind of centre play Ablett showed to put BJB in fr his 2nd try last Friday.

That said, I have no issue with Ablett being selected in the back row when Watkins is fit so that he and hardaker can continue their development.

I would say he's also the best backrow we have, so its a case of working out how we can get the best out of him for the team

A more appropriate question would be...

[iHas anyone any idea who much longer he will be in for?[/i

As soon as he returns of course.

Long enough to make Matai look like a rank amateur.......again no doubt.

I know their was a discussion several weeks ago (possibly on the VT) about the most versatile players in the league and has Smith now played in the last 6 games at full back, wing, centre, scrum half and hooker?

Typo.

I too think Smith is slowly finding some form. Still think his best position is Full Back and his opportunity is limited. He needs regular game time.

thanks Kallem for popping down and presenting to the Junior Rhino''s awards last Saturday

Not that I think the utility has anything to do with it. But Smith ever since coming into the side as a youngster as ALWAYS got better with more games on the run. He has ALWAYS been a confidence player, where if he is dropped he takes time again to get it back. But when he has had a run in the side of a number of games on the trot that is the only time you get the proper Lee Smith.

It's surprising just how many fans can not see this, and continually put him down when dropped and back in.

I agree this is the case. However, the problem is that being a utility player, the very nature of the role is that you're in some weeks, and out another

Agree completely.

I'd rate him 2nd to JJB there, but he's still awesome.

I'd also agree that he's the best centre at the club at the moment.

Let's play him at 6. He's been awesome everywhere else he's played, so we should see how far we can push our luck.

Is it your understanding that Ablett has not been tried as the starting stand-off for Leeds at 1st grade level to this point?

Ahh Salford away iirc TVOC and he was putting in little grubber kicks and everything!!

It was my understanding yes. I presume that you ask the question because my understanding is inaccurate.

On this occassion it is yes.

In addition to the Salford game highlighted by ms (2009 - Round 27) there was also a game at the Stoop where he partnered Paul McShane at half-back (2010 - Round 17)

100% win record for Ablett as the starting stand-off.

I def remember Ablett been at 6 for an away game at Harlequins in recent years.....

So, my point about him being awesome wherever he plays stands. I just need to pick a different position?

What about hooker? Has he played there?

Not yet.

Hooker, prop, scrum-half, wing and full-back are still required for the full starting set but there's plenty of time.

Ablett: Master of All Trades, Jack of None

MOATJON

There are toes under that clumpy foot of yours.

(it won't catch on)

Man up dude. Imitation is the highest flattery.

And I heard imitation was suicide. It's hard to keep up.

It is if you're a lemming