Re: CC Wigan at Home : Wed May 24, 2023 10:16 am  

let's see how the next 18 months pans out

Re: CC Wigan at Home : Wed May 24, 2023 10:38 am  

tad rhino wrote:

let's see how the next 18 months pans out

I agree, but let’s not forget in 05 and 06 TS had one of if not the best Leeds squads in recent times and won sweet FA

Re: CC Wigan at Home : Wed May 24, 2023 10:46 am  

christopher wrote:

There were definitely calls of we've signed the cheaper Smith coach at the time both on here and on the terraces, it's 20 years ago, sorry if I can't find or remember the exact posters names

Tony Smith had done nothing of note at all when he joined us, he inherited a side that had got to a CC final and just missed out on getting to the Grand Final, had a core of once in a generation players and some very good experienced pros.

Comparing Rohan and Tony at this stage of their respective Leeds coaching careers, is pointless, and even if you did I'd say Rohan's achievement last year of taking a side in 11th to a GF was equal to Smith's first year at Leeds, simply due to the circumstances.

If memory serves, Uncle Tony had a two and a bit seasons with Hudds before GH poached him. The first season they were relegated, the 2nd season they won the championship and got promoted, and the 3rd he managed to keep them in SL - a considerable achievement at the time. In comparison Rohan coached the Devils to GF triumph and took the Rhinos to the GF in short order. Not much between them in my mind.

Re: CC Wigan at Home : Wed May 24, 2023 12:45 pm  

christopher wrote:

I agree, but let’s not forget in 05 and 06 TS had one of if not the best Leeds squads in recent times and won sweet FA

I completely agree with that - Smith's was a classic case of a coach losing the respect of the players. It was only when it was announced he was leaving that form picked up and the dynamic changed.

What has he won since he left - even Lee Radford won two CC's

Re: CC Wigan at Home : Wed May 24, 2023 12:58 pm  

Zoo Zoo Boom wrote:

I completely agree with that - Smith's was a classic case of a coach losing the respect of the players. It was only when it was announced he was leaving that form picked up and the dynamic changed.

What has he won since he left - even Lee Radford won two CC's

He won 3 challenge cups with Warrington didn’t he?

Re: CC Wigan at Home : Wed May 24, 2023 1:02 pm  

christopher wrote:

He won 3 challenge cups with Warrington didn’t he?

And a league leaders shield. That 2012 Warrington was superb. He won a series with GB too.

Re: CC Wigan at Home : Wed May 24, 2023 1:22 pm  

Winning the CC doesn't really compare to a GF success in my view. Smith had top sides at Warrington but could never get them across the line in GF's

The game in the 2011 play offs against Warrington was one of the finest games of the SL era - great attacking from both sides. along with the 2007 semi final at Saints the toughest game I have ever seen in the SL era.

Re: CC Wigan at Home : Wed May 24, 2023 6:55 pm  

Jack Burton wrote:

That 2012 Warrington was superb.

I agree Jack,That Wolves side in 2012 were an amazing side.

It's a toss up for me which is the best side that has ever lost a GF:
Bulls (2004) Rhinos (2005) & Wolves (2012) as they were all outstanding sides.

The Saints (2007) side was a great side, But IMO that brutal semi final win against the Rhinos in the qualifying semi final at Knowsley Road came at a huge cost to them as they were clearly spooked and were not up for another brutal encounter at Old Trafford.

Re: CC Wigan at Home : Wed May 24, 2023 6:58 pm  

Zoo Zoo Boom wrote:

the 2007 semi final at Saints the toughest game I have ever seen in the SL era.

That was the best SL game ever too IMO

Re: CC Wigan at Home : Wed May 24, 2023 7:47 pm  

Wouldn't argue with that. Im trying to recall other examples of a team getting beat but gaining total belief in itself. I've not seen many.