Originally Posted by
Mike Stephenson
The dream is to have both halves with a threatening running game, and Saints had this with Martyn and Long and then Price and Long after that. I don't think its any coincidence that they have struggled to win silverware since. No doubt losing Kyle Eastmond didn't help, but that was years ago now and Saints have had lots of opportunities to address this. The team that then took on this mantle, was of course the Leeds Rhinos who had the speed of Burrow & McGuire and Brent Webb chiming in to the line from full back. Explosive speed is very difficult to defend against.
This is why it surprises me that having moved Jordan Turner into the halves last season to give more threat running the ball through the middle of the field, it seems Cunningham is now going for a Smith & Fages combination. Even if Walsh had stayed, St Helens should have been looking for him a new partner, and Fages should've been putting pressure on Walsh for the '7' jersey. A 1 year deal to keep Luke Walsh would have been a lot better than a 4 year deal for Matty Smith. Walsh was no speedster, but he has a better passing, short and long kicking game than Smith, as well as being a better goal kicker. He even threatens the line more too.
Saints should be looking for a partner for Matty Smith.
Regards,
STEVO