Good luck to him, but to me he's an out and out league player and will struggle in union. By the same token, someone like Lee Bryne who is an outstanding RU fullback would be an average Sl fullback.

Shem Tatupu

I think he's referring to Leeds' majestic record in signing Union players.

Others picked up the likes of Davies, Offiah, Devereux. We got Gallagher, Young, Brooke-Cowden, Simon Irving, Andrew Staniland etc. John Bentley was probably the best convert Leeds had.

As I say, whilst not particularly wishing ill fortune on the kid himself, I hope he ends up pottering around in reserve grade in Union. The more stuffed-up signings from league the better, as they'll be less likely to throw wads of cash at young league players in future.

I think people write off 'loyalty' - both to clubs and the game as a whole - far too easily. We are in direct competition with Union for a number of revenue sources, and produce very very few quality backs, so when any player turns to Union for money (or the 'challenge') I think its sad.

Agreed, I reckon he'll be back within 18 months with his tail between his legs. The games are now too different for all but an exceptionally talented player (Smith's good, but not that good) to make the transition.

I can't see any problem with this in any form.

It's just like any other business where anyone can change jobs, career direction, get head hunted , move for better prospects etc., etc..

Good luck to the lad.

The ONLY downside, if any, is recuperating the costs of "training" the lad , but hey at least we know that his original amateur club will have been well and truely screwed!

Better than Alan Tait?

Lewis Jones is Leeds best ever Union signing surely!!!

This: leaguefreak.rlfans.com/news.php?readmore=643 Needs to be in this thread.

This: leaguefreak.rlfans.com/news.php?readmore=643 Needs to be in this thread.

Quote ="The Glorious League Freak"This: leaguefreak.rlfans.com/news.php?readmore=643 Needs to be in this thread.'"

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No one cares what you think.

Only those who reply flower

Basically Smith is sick of being hounded by people in Leeds, and he's fed up of not being able to go out with getting surrounded by total strangers. He was offered a deal by Wigan, but he sisn't want to play for another club against Leeds. Plus his bird lives in London at the minute, and he wants to be closer to her.

Had nothing to do with the money?
I'm sure Quins would have been more than happy to accomodate him if it's living in/near London he wants.

What amuses me is that some on here think he is a better than average RL player!!

He has an aopportunity!

Good luck to the lad

But to me he was/is a petulant player and there are far better at Leeds and elsewhere.

Sounds like your amused very easily.

I use Leeds Rhino's as my comedy standard!

1st class joke all round run by some of the best jokers in the game

Go you, well done.

Agreed.

Actually despite being a goon, catalancs has some interesting insightful stuff to say, so people do care what he thinks. You on the other hand are a pathetic occer troll, who is under the delusion that he is funny, and no one cares what you think.

HTH.

As I said in my post above he didn't want to play for another club against Leeds. The money obviously was a big factor but not neccesaryily (can't spell) the deciding one.

Why dont we make our youngsters, that come thought the clubs youth system, make them not count on salary cap.

We spent 100 years arguing for a free gangway, allowing players to move between the two codes of rugby. We finally won. Where's the problem?

Agreed. It would provide more incentive for clubs to produce their own players.

if we make it a real rule we could bring better aussie over and could have more english players in our teams and stop our young players form switching codes.

...so you want British players not to count so you can sign more Aussies.....mmmmm