If you read my later post you will see I am not suggesting a total move but as an option in case of injuries and possibly as a switch type play, we lack cover in the halves if Hastings does go and we do not sign anyone - Smith might be the future but can he carry the team? Tommy going around again would be a risk and beyond that who do we have?

From the bits he played at 6 when he first arrived he looked a bit at sea but now he is more familiar with the team it might work - I hope we don't need to rely on him there given that FB is his best position but hopefully if Hastings goes we can bring someone in but with the situation as it is that would not be a given.

If we did end up with Smith, Tommy, Smithies and Powell as our creative heart then I would worry (and possibly Gildart gone as well).

I find it very sad that the creative 13 is no longer a thing.. but sadly it seems to have been phased out of the game.

The 13 role now is the extra prop.

I’m comfortable with Smithies in that role.

He may lack the go forward but he looks like he will develop into a decent edge runner and his defensive effort will allow others go forward.

French will be a creator in the spine not necessarily because of his natural passing but his pace and elusive running means he will naturally create space for others.

A real shame that this is the case, particularly after a few weeks of watching Andy Farrell and Paul Sculthorpe in retro games during lockdown. Incredible players, both of those. The 13 used to be the centre piece of the side - the one true all rounder. I hope the club and the game in general phase this type of 13 back in time.

Let’s not ignore Locky.

Wonderful ball playing 13.

Fair comment

Yes and Sinfield at Leeds - I think with those 4 you have a group that epitomise an ideal loose forward.

Mr Hanley wasn’t bad at 13 from what I remember


My fav 13 used to be Steve “knocker” Norton he was sublime in his days at Cas & Hull

Yeah I guess I was mainly referring to SL history. I caught the back end of his career when I first started watching RL - several have told me he was the best player they'd ever seen.

They were not wrong when they told you that.

I’m hearing French may not be here next year. If so, along with the other names mentioned, the team will look very different next season

He back off to Aus ?

Yes that’s what I’ve heard from a good source. It will be interesting to see if he comes back when the season starts back up again , I hope he does he was excellent before the covid situation!

No he’s back now, went to aus before lockdown but has returned

Has it been confirmed that he’s back? He may well be but my source from within the club seems to think he isn’t

no confirmation just this from 11th June

He is hoping to secure a flight back next week, revealed coach Adrian Lam.

Because of government rules surrounding coronavirus, he will then need to self-isolate for two weeks, clearing him to start training – and venturing outside – from July.

I saw that article and I hope he does come back, I’m just going off what I’ve been told

It is extremely important to have a pack of forwards that can dominate the opposition. It is no coincidence that the Roosters, Storm and Eels are going so well in the NRL. For that reason alone I would like to see us a recruit another prop forward. We need to give lads like Smith the room to play in and express his skills, we do not want the confidence knocking out of him.

we have a marquee prop

Wonder if it's too much to hope that George has been spending lockdown doing cardio work. It potentially could have been a real opportunity for him to get into shape.

I doubt it as pre season didnt

would defo keep Budgie though for depth alone

2 or 3 years ago but not now, He needs to retire for the good of the team

French is no different to players like David Bolton, Sean Edwards, Henry Paul etc who could all play at both Full Back and Stand off without any problem.

Only difference is French is not a stand off. All the others you name where.

Would you keep him at the expense of strengthening the squad in other areas? Thats not aimed at Joe its just a business decision and one the club may have been faced with. Would you have kept him IF he was asking for mega money? Not saying he was just asking IF.