We are only keeping hold of him as a comfor blanket. If he finds a new club, we should show him the repect of releasing him early. We have enough cover in the half’s without keeping an expensive 18th man as well
We are only keeping hold of him as a comfor blanket. If he finds a new club, we should show him the repect of releasing him early. We have enough cover in the half’s without keeping an expensive 18th man as well
I'd keep him until the end of the season. The cap is already budgeted for the year, so his cost is already factored in. If we had an injury in the halves, full back or hooker, we currently have Fages and Smith to bring in and keep the other on the bench to spell Roby and provide another option during the game. If Smith went, then an injury occurred we would be left with youngsters to bring in at the business end of the season.
If we can move him on in the off-season and restructure the squad accordingly then that's different, but for now i'd not be looking to move him on mid-season.
I've chatted with Matty Smith a couple of times in my local NOT about rugby, just general pub talk.
He comes over as a very honest intelligent presentable young fellow, certainly not the type to run off at the mouth because he's a pro sportsman.
We've all seen his post match interviews where he's totally unbiased, considering he's just survived an eighty minute game and this could well be Matty's next opening. I think he's cut out for a TV job, lord knows that aspect of RL presentation needs a new face, he could well be the one.
I think he should be on the bench against Wakey, give Roby a rest after being flogged by Bennett. I think I'd probably give Lomax a night off too.
He’s not a 6 mate, think he’s played there a handful of times but it’s not his position.
I expect Percival and Thompson to both play, wouldn’t mind seeing Smith get some extended minutes under his belt either in the halves or at hooker, bar 10 minutes against Hull KR it’s been a while.
Steve Prescott MBE (1973-2013)
V
I think full back is his best position but he’s played centre, stand off, loose forward and on the wing at different points I believe.
I think he could play there but I don’t think he’s played enough senior rugby at 6 for him to be considered an option there if you know what I mean.
Last edited by Tez the Saint; 25th June 2018 at 13:21.
Steve Prescott MBE (1973-2013)
V
Personally I would not have Smith in the team now unless we are really struggling with bodies. If Robes is knackered give Fages the start. Bring in Costello if Lomax needs a break. That said this will not be easy on Friday. They have some tough props. Glad Luke did not play and should be ready to go. The rest of the games (exclude Widnes) are tough and we want as big a point difference as possible.
Humans are more concerned with having than being.
I cant see Lomax and Roby playing for 80 mins on Friday, maybe Matty and Theo will cover on the bench in any permutation.
Our pack should be fresh from a weeks rest and if its a warm evening we dont need to run it down the middle, the usually good kicking game should suffice to get the Wildcats big units back into there own 20 metres and make them work for the hard yards.
Obviously JH will assess their fitness but we can pick a strong side without using any of the lads who played in Denver.
Swift for Makinson
Smith for Roby
Fages for Lomax
Costello for Percival
Bearing in mind the rest of the first choice squad have had 2 weeks off we should be fit and raring to go.
We should not underestimate Wakefield. I think they are a decent, well-balanced, well coached side who can beat anybody on their day. They have some good players with both speed and size. Plus they’ve beaten us once already this year.
JH has said all Denver players are fit for Friday. The only doubt is Amor (groin).
Humans are more concerned with having than being.
After the defeat to Wakefield earlier in the season there will be no complacency from us. Saint's to win by at least 20 points.