The thing that worries me is, somebodys decisions got us in this pickle in the first place, Pearson has to take some responsibility, if we can't get recruitment decisions correct, what's to say were not just going to sign the next batch of crap?
We don't know how shrewd Hodgson is with recruitment yet, or even if he has final say on the signings, theres no real transparency from the club on how the recruitment process works, so all still a bit of a lottery to me.
Confounded by the probable announcement of a Manu Ma'u renewal (what wage is he on?) when you have players like Peachey available who would bring alot more to our team that'd benefit us.
No good building a house, if the building firms poop so to speak.
Absolutely, nail on head. Everyone who watched NRL games, and that must include Hull management, could see Fonua was shot, certainly not the player who left us and his considerable wage (guessing but not unimaginable) could have been on positions which were crying out for reinforcement. The same with Reynolds, Hodgson must have been aware that he had played very little first grade in his spell with Wests, another who, although quality, is shot physically, so it is as much his and Pearson's fault that they gambled on players who had done very little to justify their signing, and on wages that won't be small. I don't know where we go from here, the first 17, on paper look like a top 4 side, but there is little in the way of back up and the attacking play this season, has shown very little improvement on what had gone previously. Maybe it is time to admit we are a big club, only in fan base, because the whole culture of the club is shambolic and inherently wrong, that cannot be fixed quickly , with no money to spend and a rookie coach cutting his teeth.
Hes a player whose too good to play in the reserves more than Super League next year. In a lot of ways he has been collateral to Saints production line, losing his spot to Welsby first and then Dodd for no other reason than they needed game time (and the rewards of that are for all to see). Couple that with Pemberton in our academy seen by the club as the next successor (likely to get the 14 shirt in 2023) you can see how Smith may be squeezed out.
There have been plenty of times where Smith has really looked the part as Roby's successor. His biggest problem is he isnt the strongest in defence, but is brave, which leads to him getting his head in the wrong place repeatedly (I believe the club have spent alot of time with him on this this year though). Always seems to get himself in good positions in attack, and very effective running at the line. Passing can occasionally be a bit iffy, but 9 games out of 10 you wouldn't notice an issue. Hes not the most vocal so not sure on organising but at Saints its our halfbacks who dictate the play, so I am sure he could be effective, given the chance.
I did say my original comment somewhat tongue in cheek, but Smith has another year on his contract and needs to be playing at the top level. It could make a lot of sense for someone to pick him up
Cheers for the insight appreciated, would be somewhat of a gamble for us, and we desperately need strong leadership, so I'm a bit unsure of the signing, alot of our problems in attack have been Houghtons decision making in choice of pass, see golden point against Leeds as a prime example. Could this lad step in and help organise and stick to any attacking structures, big question. I suppose of we had a commanding 7 alongside it'd help, but I don't think Sneyds anyway assertive enough too or so many of our attacks wouldn't look shambolic.
But I suppose taking our situation with cap and room for manoeuvre into account, beggars can't be choosers as they say.