I would like to see matty back at saints next year competing for places with Kyle.

That's the crux of our disagreement - I don't think his game's like that, I just think that perhaps you're judging him on when he's been playing out of position out wide. When he's had the chance at #7, he seems every bit the little general.

You've got to remember that the coaching team watch the players closely every day in training, know all about their strengths and flaws, their personality and are able to make a far more informed decision than we are. We see the lads once a week for 80 minutes and every now and then here a rumour about their attitude.

I've got the upmost faith in Potter and McManus to make the right call and I suspect that will mean we have seen the last of Smith at KR. Eastmond is raw and has plenty of work to do but for pure x-factor and attacking ability Smith does not come close.

I thought Smith did well in his run of games last year and his long kicking game is superb but, for me, he likes ideas attacking the opposition line. He might have a future at hooker but in Moore & Roby we are already well off their and I'm sure Smith will have a long Super League career at scrum half. Just not with us.

Maybe. Like everybody i'd like to see him given more time at seven so we can truly evaluate him.

I hazard a guess we'll start to see a lot more, since Long's departure was confirmed. I reckon the coaches would've prefered to have been in this situation 12 months in the future, but needs must when the devil drives, and all that jazz.

I still think the Kevin Penny comment was uncalled for, though

Personally I think Eastmond has more all-round potential to last in the Saints team than Smith.

I have no issue with Smith coming back and fighting it out with Eastmond, Wheeler, Moore and Lomax for the number 7 shirt. The more quality players we have in the squad the better.

But I think we have not considered one thing. What if Smith <b> does not want to come back </b>

He has got a place in the Celtic Halves nailed down. Why would he want to come back to Saints to fight it out with a number of younger and potentially more talented players. If he comes back he has the odds against him why give up a safe job for that.

If he does come back he has my support but if I was him I would stay in Wales.

Wheeler = Stand off
Lomax = Fullback
Moore = Hooker

Eastmond is the only scrum half that I'm aware of who has got a chance of starting next season in the position. I wouldn't put it past us to sign an NRL player though.

Johnn Thurston would be a fine addition to our team, we could play Matty Smiff at prop then.

Yeah, leave poor Kevin alone.



I still think Scotty could be re-converted back to scrum half and do the job for us.

But all would be very good at 7. With people like Pryce, Wellens, Roby and Cunningham playing in the positions you mentioned these young players are ideal to fill the gap at 7. Eastmond is likely to start the season at 7 but I would not rule out one of the above filling in when needed.

This was not really my point. My point was why would Smith want to risk being a second choice at Saints (and spend most weeks in the second team) when he is guarenteed to start every week for Celtic.

It's a big decision, i'd take the bigger contract at celtic, but you never know.

Who says Celtic even want him? He's hardly pulling up trees from the games I've seen him in.

Matty's been one of our best players. He transforms the team when he's in the starting 13, and has by far the best kicking game here.

Deep kicking - absolutely. His range and accuracy are as good any in the league. However, excluding Long, the short stuff isn't so clear cut. TBH, I don't think there's much between Smith and Wilkin.

Where have the rumours of eastmonds attitude come from???

I would hope a players attitude does have a baring on his future at saints to be honest.

Wiganers

Rogue, who knows it FACT

Smith can not answer any of those questions positively can he?

Eastmond has far greater potential and has an x-factor about him. He could win a game on his own with a searing break or touchline conversion. In some ways, he is like a young version of Long as a player. If he does half as well as Longy, I'll be happy

with any luck we'll have a better luck tonight, with kyle and matty playing apposing 7's, although the packs they are playing behind do differ somewhat.

Yes he can,

Full Game at 7. Yes
Run of games at 7. Yes, both with us and Celtic.
Played a top team at 7. I'd say a play-off game aginst Leeds counts. Wouldn't you?
Control a game. Yes.
Injury Free. Debatable.


Part of me would be interested to see Celtic beat us tonight, with Matty on form, playing Kyle off the park. What would people's attitudes be then?

dont get your hopes up.

I hope Matty is playing and I hope he is on form. I'd like to get the chance to see what he can do these days. It's ages since March 2008 when I last saw him play!

I'd like to think people would take that on board. People don't [iwant[/i to see Smith to fail.

I wouldn't necesserily expect a complete u-turn on the basis of one game, however.