Asking him to lead the team at his current stage of development is a big ask regardless of Smith’s current and recent form. He’s done it for all the team’s he’s played for though so just chuck him in and see how he does. A bit of a maverick at 7 might help get us out of a very serious slump in form.

can't see it but can only hope

Me neither mate but the rumours persist. Tbh I'm not sure I'd play him anyway unless it was 100% that he was totally fit. I'm thinking back to how we brought Harvard back for the Grand Final too early and another 6 weeks or more out for French at this stage would be disastrous!

Didn't the bookies give Saints a 10 start last time? Looks like they learnt their lesson!

I think we've got even more missing this time

If it was a final then absolutely.