How does a plyer look dated? Does he turn up to training in flares?

I dont dispute at all that Smith has not been the same player he was since 2009 when he went to Union. Its just hugely disappointing that some fans can write a player off so easily. I totally agree he needs a good pre season, lose some weight, get a yard of pace back and perhaps most importantly enjoy his rugby again.

If he can do that I see him as a great FB. Look at his performances in teh big games, awesome. If Brain can get that consistency out of him he will be a great asset to the team.

I'm in agreement with you Fallon. Our best individual fullback performance this season has come from Smith. Smith has always been a confidence player, he get's a run and repays, in and out he's not the same.

Thought in last home game of season smith looked good at full back. Looked fit, slim and more interested. Looked good but was dropped straight after. Not suggesting we drop Webb for final, but thought smith in last game started to look like his old self. He looked good in attack and defence

For me, Smithy is yesterday's news. A 2007 Smithy would be in the team, the 2011 version is nowhere near. Maybe a new Club,Wakey maybe, could spark him up, and get his career back on course.

As for dropping Delaney to accomodate Ali?

There must be some very odd chemicals being added to the water over in Cheshire to arrive at that conclusion!

This has to be the easiest week for BMD as the GF team picks itself.They've earned the right to be there by their performances against Wire last week.

And with that blend of momentum, experience and pace, I'm starting to get a good feel about this weekend.

Agree in that the team this week bar injuries will sort of pick itself. After the last few weeks difficult to drop anyone

Smith deserves a decent run in the team in a fixed position (preferable full back). Obviously that isn't going to happen this year. His confidence seems at an all time low, even when he gets in the 1st team and gives a good performance (Wakey at home) he was dropped. Earlier in the season Hauraki was abysmal, yet was given an extended run and is now a different player. I'd be disappointed if we never allow Smith a similar chance. There's a high quality SL player in there somewhere & its up to McDermott to find it!

A player can look dated when evolution sets in. BJB has stepped up and Hardaker is also in front of Smith for selection for centre. Then there is Watkins to account for etc. All these are talented, up to speed and hungry. And are performing on the pitch.

Smith has under-performed and hasn't looked the same player. So true. We are calling it as we see it. It's not writing him off, it's a fair assessment of where he is. But it is down to Smith. His first action plan should be to try and make the 17, he may need to look elsewhere to do that.

Your missing the point though. Im not suggesting Smith play on the wing and I think most people always knew he wasnt going to be a good centre. Im saying, Smith, if he works hard could be the natural replacement for Webb at FB who may well elave at the end of next season.

As many have said, Smith looked good recently but was dropped. Ok, one game does not mean he is back to his best but when you give your best game of the season and then get dropped its difficult.

As fpr someone elses suggestion that he goes to Wakey (or somewhere similar I guess), that seems like a terrible career move, up there with going to Union.

You've totally missed my point. I listed youger, on fire, players in positions that Smith has played in that have shifted Smith out of the team. Hence making him look dated.

Playing regular week-in-week-out rugby has to be Lee Smiths goal. We'll see where that happens.

Im not convinced you had a point to start with.

Solid comeback.

Bingo.

Thanks, took me a while to come up with it.

It met expectations.

Consistency is the key at all times. Brain needs to learn that lesson too. Im always happy to teach those who need it.

Hey all, am getting the coach with all the Rhinos fans to OT on Saturday, will have a heap of time to kill before the game, any good pubs near OT or what is there around OT? Would love some advice guys!

Cheers

A game for old women



Harsh on Hauraki...he's improved immeasurably. He certainly has more to offer than he-who-should-not-be-named (and I'm not referring to Gaskell)

I've said previously reverse the way Webb and Smith have been treated (giving Smith the extended run at FB, letting Webb 'fill in' at wing or centre) and I'm sure things would have been a lot different.

Try some of the 'chemicals' . Join me....it'll improve that good feeling.

1. Brent Webb
3. Brett Delaney
5. Ryan Hall
6. Danny McGuire
7. Rob Burrow
8 Kylie Leuluai
9. Danny Buderus
10. Jamie Peacock
11. Jamie Jones-Buchanan
12. Carl Ablett
13. Kevin Sinfield (c)
14. Ali Lauitiiti
16. Ryan Bailey
17. Ian Kirke
19. Kallum Watkins
20. Weller Hauraki
21. Chris Clarkson
23. Ben Jones-Bishop
27. Zak Hardaker

I think Zak deserves to keep his place. Big ask for Watkins to come straight back for a GF with no matches behind him for the last 5/6 weeks

Saints squad is out. Same as last week, Leon Pryce left out.

Agree even if Watkins was back hardaker should retain his spot. Has done nothing to warrant being dropped and it would be a big ask fitness wise for Watkins to play

Why? As reward for what, exactly?

Correct decision. He has a habit of leaving himself out of Grand Finals anyway!