Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Aug 07, 2016 11:03 am  

jonh wrote:

Personally still think we are a forward and a centre short.

Hopefully Smith goes that must free up cap space to bring in at least one.

If we pick up a knock in the centres next year we are playing a backrow there. Less than ideal.

I watched Tommy Leuluai this morning playing for NZ Warriors v Gold Coast. He was outstanding. His passing off either hand was quick and crisp, but the big thing was his ability to take the ball to the line and run into "the hole" I was initially unsure about Tommy coming back, but if he plays like he has done the last few weeks then I don't see a place for Matty Smith.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Aug 07, 2016 12:34 pm  

I dont know why some people talk about Leuluai as if he's on his last legs. He's only just turmed 31. Warrington signed Gidley at 33 and he's going around again next year.

Leuluai has been fantastic in the last few games he's played. Great player, miles better than Smith. Only concern is the goalkicking but frankly Smith has been crap at that as well lately.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Aug 07, 2016 2:55 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

I watched Tommy Leuluai this morning playing for NZ Warriors v Gold Coast. He was outstanding. His passing off either hand was quick and crisp, but the big thing was his ability to take the ball to the line and run into "the hole" I was initially unsure about Tommy coming back, but if he plays like he has done the last few weeks then I don't see a place for Matty Smith.

Great to hear. The problem with Smith is he has had no competition for his 7 spot for a good while. Regardless of performance he has always played the week after. He still has two more seasons remaining on his four year deal, I don't see him going anywhere until this expires.

Leuluai & Shorrocks breathing down his neck means he should only play if his form warrants it.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Aug 07, 2016 5:47 pm  

The only thing we are short of next year is a goal kicker

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Aug 07, 2016 6:07 pm  

Joe Burgess had a decent game this week. Good performance last week in lower grade back to NRL and went well against one of the form wingers in NRL

Matty Smith : Wed Aug 10, 2016 2:32 pm  

http://www.skysports.com/share/10530842 According to Sky sources he's about to sign a 4 year deal with Saints, not a surprise given the recent rumours

http://www.skysports.com/share/10530842 According to Sky sources he's about to sign a 4 year deal with Saints, not a surprise given the recent rumours

Re: Matty Smith : Wed Aug 10, 2016 2:37 pm  

That should get an interesting reaction on RedVee

Re: Matty Smith : Wed Aug 10, 2016 2:54 pm  

Unbelievable signing for Saints!

Can't blame him for looking elsewhere as increased competition in the halves next year would probably have him out of the team more often than not.

Re: Matty Svmith : Wed Aug 10, 2016 2:57 pm  

Thank God.

Let's not beat around the bush this is a guy who's had about a handful of truly top games in his time here.

Re: Matty Svmith : Wed Aug 10, 2016 3:16 pm  

sergeant pepper wrote:

Thank God.

Let's not beat around the bush this is a guy who's had about a handful of truly top games in his time here.

Revisionist bullsh*t. He was very good his first 18 months - 2 years here, but year after year of losing our best players meant he had to take on more responsibility than he perhaps should have, his form suffered as a consequence. Overall he's been very solid for us, if you think we're bad now I dread to think what we'd have been like without him for the past 2 seasons.

Probably the right time for him to leave though, next year is the year of the Shorrocks!