Re: Harry Smith : Thu Jul 29, 2021 7:31 am  

100% Warrior wrote:

I said it a few weeks ago but it’s clearly a pure lack of confidence and/or belief in what he’s being asked to do. The Harry Smith we’re seeing now isn’t the one that burst onto the scene.

As it happens I agree with your Jai Field point.

Tommy needs dropping ASAP. JH into the halves and Hanley FB.

Is it surprising that Smith is not doing well at the moment when we have a pack not dominating the forward battle and Leulaui not performing as he should do.?

Leulaui "having" to play is as far as I am concerned is the reason why Hastings has been playing full back and Smith not playing well for the reasons I have stated.

You have hit the nail on the head with what you have said about who should pay where!

Re: Harry Smith : Thu Jul 29, 2021 11:22 am  

12m from Smith last night. TL 47m.

Powell 11m.

Big issue when you are relying on your fullback out of the spine players to make all your yards.

Smith and Powell in particular simply not challenging the defence with their running game.

Re: Harry Smith : Thu Jul 29, 2021 11:28 am  

jonh wrote:

12m from Smith last night. TL 47m.

Powell 11m.

Big issue when you are relying on your fullback out of the spine players to make all your yards.

Smith and Powell in particular simply not challenging the defence with their running game.

I’ll cut Smith a bit of slack because of his inexperience, even though he’s all over the show with his passing and decision-making. Powell though, I’ve never rated as a 9. He may as well stick 13 on his back and take a few drives in as a ‘middle’ for all his attacking threat.

Re: Harry Smith : Thu Jul 29, 2021 11:30 am  

DannyT wrote:

I’ll cut Smith a bit of slack because of his inexperience, even though he’s all over the show with his passing and decision-making. Powell though, I’ve never rated as a 9. He may as well stick 13 on his back and take a few drives in as a ‘middle’ for all his attacking threat.

I thought Powell was outstanding last year. Mixed his game up very nicely and looked to be one of the success stories under Lam.

This year though he’s a major part of why we are unable to break down defences.

Re: Harry Smith : Thu Jul 29, 2021 12:01 pm  

jonh wrote:

I thought Powell was outstanding last year. Mixed his game up very nicely and looked to be one of the success stories under Lam.

This year though he’s a major part of why we are unable to break down defences.

Sadly correct. I’m not a Powell knocker by any stretch, I think he’s a good player but he’s way off this season. He looks fatigued to me and I can’t help wonder if he’s playing injured. Even in just 3 or 4 minutes and two carries, Amir Bourouh offered more of a threat with the ball. It’s another area of the field Lam refuses to see what’s in front of his face. A rest for Powell, be that during games or by sitting the odd one out, is something we can do with the two young hookers we have and Leuluai capable of playing in there but Lam seems to love to push forwards to breaking point, like it’s some sort of iron man competition he’s running.

Re: Harry Smith : Thu Jul 29, 2021 12:09 pm  

It's unbelievable that Powell came through the academy as a half. He looks like he's had all skill coached out of him; can barely run with the ball, can't beat players, average kicking game. Just a tackling machine like someone already said.

I think he is about to sign a new contract but to be honest I would let him go if we can sign a decent, experienced hooker who can play 50-60mins and allow O'Neil/Bourouh to come through.

Re: Harry Smith : Thu Jul 29, 2021 12:33 pm  

Smith has loads of potential but he’s not ready to be our first choice half back. I fear he’ll get the job and that Hastings won’t be replaced next year which I find very concerning.
Tommy is our captain and still leads us around the park. I can’t see him being dropped.
Powell is just awful when we have possession. Always has been. He was absolutely educated last night by a proper 9 and I too would be happy to see him replaced. O’Neill already looks to offer more speed and accuracy from the play the ball and isn’t scared to run it.

Re: Harry Smith : Thu Jul 29, 2021 12:44 pm  

apollosghost wrote:

Lam has completely wasted a year of Smith's development by not playing him alongside Hastings

I agree with you but it may be that he will never make the step up,the ridiculous expectation heaped on him has done far more harm than good for my money,his game is basic at best and he’s not doing that well either,any other coach would take him out of the firing line e yet Lam carries on it madness.

The player we hope he could be can still emerge I’m sure but I do think it’s time to lower expectations of him if nothing else for the lads sake,sport is littered with the “next big thing”let’s hope Smith doesn’t join that club

Re: Harry Smith : Thu Jul 29, 2021 1:30 pm  

Ruddy Duck wrote:

Is it surprising that Smith is not doing well at the moment when we have a pack not dominating the forward battle and Leulaui not performing as he should do.?

Leulaui "having" to play is as far as I am concerned is the reason why Hastings has been playing full back and Smith not playing well for the reasons I have stated.

You have hit the nail on the head with what you have said about who should pay where!

For once Ruddy we are in complete agreement

Re: Harry Smith : Thu Jul 29, 2021 1:57 pm  

Harry Smith is a great talent, he’s got a bit of tough about him. Like a Nathan Wood or Goulding. Not saying his up there yet but he’s gritty.