Re: Matty Smith : Wed Aug 10, 2016 5:36 pm  

Now is the time for someone (Shorrocks?) to step up to the plate & becom a top class goalkicker that cannot be left out of the side, just like Bots & Paddy

Re: Matty Smith : Wed Aug 10, 2016 5:38 pm  

I was led to believe that a fee was involved hence I assume a 4 year from Saints point of view.
Still scratching my head as to who will be the goal kicker next season unless there is another signing on the way?

Re: Matty Smith : Wed Aug 10, 2016 6:03 pm  

Smith had a simple choice, stay at Wigan and fight for his place against Tommy Leuluai, Williams, McIlorum, Powell, Shorrocks and maybe Hampshire or accept a four year deal at Saints and be top dog. He has a young family, so it made sense for him to move on, and I wish him thanks and all the best.

Just to add, Saints have been trying to sign Smith for two years, just as Wigan have been trying to bring back Tommy Leuluai for the same period.

Re: Matty Smith : Wed Aug 10, 2016 6:14 pm  

Firstly, the guy is a model pro and has clearly given his absolute all in his time at Wigan. Secondly, he's been very reliable in terms of games played - can't remember many games he's missed through injury or suspension.

However, he is clearly limited in ability and as much as he tries, he's just not going to be a top class half. He's a steady club player with a good kicking game but lacks any pace, creativity or guile. I'd sooner see Williams & Tommy and then Shorrocks coming through in next few years.

Re: Matty Smith : Wed Aug 10, 2016 6:27 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

Smith had a simple choice, stay at Wigan and fight for his place against Tommy Leuluai, Williams, McIlorum, Powell, Shorrocks and maybe Hampshire or accept a four year deal at Saints and be top dog. He has a young family, so it made sense for him to move on, and I wish him thanks and all the best.

Just to add, Saints have been trying to sign Smith for two years, just as Wigan have been trying to bring back Tommy Leuluai for the same period.

Is it definitely going ahead then?

Re: Matty Smith : Wed Aug 10, 2016 8:36 pm  

Saints wanted Leuluai and got Smith, seems like a fair deal for us.

It probably works for everyone, we have Williams, Leuluai and shorrocks. Saints need half backs and Smith probably does need a change of scenery.

Re: Matty Smith : Wed Aug 10, 2016 8:56 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

Smith had a simple choice, stay at Wigan and fight for his place against Tommy Leuluai, Williams, McIlorum, Powell, Shorrocks and maybe Hampshire or accept a four year deal at Saints and be top dog. He has a young family, so it made sense for him to move on, and I wish him thanks and all the best.

Just to add, Saints have been trying to sign Smith for two years, just as Wigan have been trying to bring back Tommy Leuluai for the same period.

I find this interesting as I assumed TL to Wigan Smith to Saints has been sorted for some time. If as you say, and I fully think it will be the case coming from you, TL was signed and the option was also to carry Smith in the squad as well, then Smith going should open up a fairly significant chunk of cap space for next year for another signing. A centre or utility back would be nice, Mason Caton Brown has been mentioned in the past, finally seems to have hit some form at the right time whilst he is playing for a contract.

Re: Matty Smith : Wed Aug 10, 2016 9:56 pm  

If we could find a goal kicking centre the squad would be complete IMO.

Re: Matty Smith : Wed Aug 10, 2016 10:30 pm  

Trainman wrote:

If we could find a goal kicking centre the squad would be complete IMO.

A goalkicking anybody would be good.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Aug 10, 2016 11:03 pm  

At the moment I can only assume it will be Sam Tomkins who will kick.