After he had just won the grand final with Wigan, and then Saints were more than happy to sign him.... Also didnt Leuluai replace him?

There is only so much you can spend on a salary cap though. Its all about perceived value, ultimately you can't have everyone and someone has to go. I'd imagine Powell would be on less than Smith, which makes the decision easier if you think they are of a similar benefit to the team. Why do you think Tomkins is leaving Wigan, even though he has been having his best season for 5 or so years, its all balancing the books.

Wire don't get every player they go for and it's a compliment to your club if the move was kosha.
Anyways Matty Smith said it himself when he was in the corporate watching Wire vs Catalans last month.

I'm guessing that's the way we'll go, can't see us getting a world class Aussie, if Hamsh and Miller keep improving then we'd hardly want Trent Hodgkinson sat on the bench

It's being discussed on the podcasts for months that matty has gone to Catalan all be it pre Drinkwaters arrival

There hasn't being an official announcement but from experience I would suggest it is a done deal

If true I wonder if they might be regretting the decision of signing him with Drinkwater playing so well, Smith will not have exactly come cheap and Drinkwater will want the starting 7 spot and why shouldn't he? There are plenty of other SL clubs that would take Drinkwater I am sure.

On the form Catalan have showed since drinkwaters arrival they may well regret it although smith will do a good job for them

Drinkwater would be ideal for us but the cap is full
So unless there is a rule change or one of our Aussies leaves Its looking like Ryan will partner miller next year

has Ryan been offered a contract yet

League Express saying that negotiations are under way

I watched the Gold Cup from the festival from a corporate box in March, doesn't mean I'm riding at the festival next year.

Not but it means your a betting man so what would your bet be?

No idea old love, I would be fairly happy if we did sign Smith though.

IF we do sign smith Could we sign himin deal that would give him a chance to shine and be brilliant but not pay big money if things aren’t going so well?
Not a pay as you play contact but not one that allows him to sit and watch Rocky take the half back role.

I know you aren't necessarily suggesting this, but legally you arent't allowed to do pay as you play contracts, even for the academy set ups. The RFL outlawed it a few years ago.

Who are some of you trying to kid signing smith he will be way out of are budget infact dont see many coming in other than king maybe a knkown for finn but other than that we aint lost no one so we wont have the budget

I think it was a wish list signing
Not a rumour

Love rugby league quotes Huddersfield are keen on two aussie half backs for next season! So where does that leave Broughy!

Up the creek without a paddle

How do we know that? I would guess Smith's stock is dropping rapidly. He is not getting any younger and is struggling to get any game time. Also what is Wakefield's budget for a half back? I bet you know as much on that as I do?

As the unfortunate saying goes "beggars can't be choosers" and I guess Smith can't just name his price otherwise he might not get a gig next season, anywhere.

Heading into next year aged 36, probably with a championship club or coaching role...

A very good point Wildshot.

Heard Williams was on a decent contract when he was with us, and when he left, the more like for like replacement would have been Hampshire, who I would guess would be on less.

Now Finny and MCB has gone, that would free up room on the cap, and if we do bring in a replacement for MCB, can't see us looking for someone quite as the same calibre to be sitting in the stands most weeks.

With what Wildshot said, and my comments, I think it's swings and roundabouts, and can't see us being priced out of the market for Smith

That's a fair comment on matty smith and his age / stock value. That's if he is still available

Which clubs are in the market for a scrum half? I can only see us and Catalan realistically

Every other team in SL has an established scrum half already
Matty hasn't had much game time either and having to play 2nd fiddle to a junior must be a hard pill to swallow

The chance to have a really good couple of years with us running the plays and being one of the most senior players at the club has to have some serious value to it

We need a scrum half with a kicking game that can move the team round the park

He would do what we need him todo IMO

A work colleague of mine, who serves our Hull branch was saying that Broughie was going into business in the Hull area.

Maybe stepping down with this in mind and his age could be the right move for him at this time

He has a deal with Hudds next year, so I imagine whether he stays with the club or not he will be payed on that - Something tells me that he will link up with John Kear next year at Bradford.

Probably betting shops as he has self excluded from all the West Riding ones.

Hahahaha