Re: 2022 Captain : Thu Jan 06, 2022 3:49 am
jonh wrote:
Totally agree regarding off season, which is what I alluded to, if he’s killing it, which he has no excuse not to, then he should certainly be putting himself into contention.
I do also think it’s a case of playing himself into the team and I don’t think the friendlies really give a good enough opportunity to do that unless he absolutely kills it.
I very much hope he is our 7 at the end of the year and has established himself in that role as the potential is there but if he hasn’t then he never will.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see him start the first game with TL as the insurance policy on the bench. I’d personally prefer it if TL were to start and make Smith wait for his opportunity.
If rumours are true we have Smith, Cust, Field and TL all training as halves during the current offseason. Cust is nailed on to start and I have to say I’m a little concerned at this stage we can’t nail his other starting partner.
I do also think it’s a case of playing himself into the team and I don’t think the friendlies really give a good enough opportunity to do that unless he absolutely kills it.
I very much hope he is our 7 at the end of the year and has established himself in that role as the potential is there but if he hasn’t then he never will.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see him start the first game with TL as the insurance policy on the bench. I’d personally prefer it if TL were to start and make Smith wait for his opportunity.
If rumours are true we have Smith, Cust, Field and TL all training as halves during the current offseason. Cust is nailed on to start and I have to say I’m a little concerned at this stage we can’t nail his other starting partner.
I am concerned but I’m not at the same time.
Concerned in that the optics are “bugger who’s going to partner Cust?” but completely unconcerned in the looking past that and thinking perhaps we’re trialling 4 for 2 spots for different games, scenarios etc. I may be clutching at straws there but it’s a lot better to think that than the first thought.
I do agree that Smith in 2022 will either confirm his quality, or confirm your thoughts and most others fears. Huge pressure on his young shoulders this season.
