Smith and Smithies : Fri Apr 30, 2021 10:46 am  

I thought both played well last night and have really kicked on over the last couple of weeks.

Smith seems to be taking the line on more and is finding the gaps.

Smithies for me should stay out on the edge. He's growing into that position and seems more effective.

Hopefully they both keep it up & certainly good signs for the future.

Re: Smith and Smithies : Fri Apr 30, 2021 10:50 am  

What happens with Smithies when Gildart is back?

Re: Smith and Smithies : Fri Apr 30, 2021 10:58 am  

Egg Chasing wrote:

What happens with Smithies when Gildart is back?

Realistically he drops out of the side and Isa sees the season out.

For 2022 I think the two need to swap roles tho. If Isa signs on again, then it should be as a backup to Smithies.

Re: Smith and Smithies : Fri Apr 30, 2021 11:05 am  

Egg Chasing wrote:

What happens with Smithies when Gildart is back?

He fights for his place every week like the rest of them, and how it should be

Re: Smith and Smithies : Fri Apr 30, 2021 11:14 am  

Egg Chasing wrote:

What happens with Smithies when Gildart is back?

Replaces Joe Sharrocks as bench loose forward

Re: Smith and Smithies : Fri Apr 30, 2021 11:20 am  

If Lam is still claiming he’s out of position at the minute then I’m not buying it. His time at loose forward will come but it’s as clear as day to me that his best position at the minute is in the second row.

Re: Smith and Smithies : Fri Apr 30, 2021 11:21 am  

Smithies arguably outplayed Bateman last night who definitely isn't at his best at the minute - possibly also playing with an injury.

Partington is kind of making the 13 shirt his own at the minute but still lacks any real skill with the ball really which is a big shame. I'd still love to see Hastings as a ball playing 13 this year at some point but obviously not a long term option.

Isa another conundrum. It seems like he won't lose his place in the starting 13 and why should he? His quick passing from centre to put Bibby away multiple times has really impressed me but when everyone is on-form and fit he is our 3rd best second rower and 3rd best centre (4th if you include Farrell).

Re: Smith and Smithies : Fri Apr 30, 2021 11:23 am  

NickyKiss wrote:

If Lam is still claiming he’s out of position at the minute then I’m not buying it. His time at loose forward will come but it’s as clear as day to me that his best position at the minute is in the second row.

Agree with that. He looks a lot stronger in contact when he's out wide.

Re: Smith and Smithies : Fri Apr 30, 2021 11:27 am  

Wigg'n wrote:

Smithies arguably outplayed Bateman last night who definitely isn't at his best at the minute - possibly also playing with an injury.

Partington is kind of making the 13 shirt his own at the minute but still lacks any real skill with the ball really which is a big shame. I'd still love to see Hastings as a ball playing 13 this year at some point but obviously not a long term option.

Isa another conundrum. It seems like he won't lose his place in the starting 13 and why should he? His quick passing from centre to put Bibby away multiple times has really impressed me but when everyone is on-form and fit he is our 3rd best second rower and 3rd best centre (4th if you include Farrell).

I’m not worrying about Bateman yet but it’s been an average return so far. I just think he’s the type who loves big games and big crowds and I think we’ll see better from him next week in the cup. He looks like mentally he’s coming to terms with now being the big fish, rather than the youngster going after the big fish with no fear. The way he used to go at somebody like Jamie Peacock is now flipped on its head and he is the Jamie Peacock figure that players will target. I think we see the struggle in the amount of complaining he’s doing to refs after being tackled. He’ll work it out in time.

Re: Smith and Smithies : Fri Apr 30, 2021 11:44 am  

NSW wrote:

Replaces Joe Sharrocks as bench loose forward

That was my point. He isn't going to move Farrell from the team so he probably moves back to playing LF, however I agree that he seems to be playing better now he is out wide.