Quote ralvag="ralvag"Jumping back a bit in this thread - Smithies would be a bigger loss than some think. Work rate aside (which is exceptional), the link play tends to go AHB- Smithies-Smith-French/Field/Option Runner. We've looked so much slicker in that respect this year. Not claiming Smithies is a SOL or Faz level of ball player, but there aren't many if any better in Super League. O'Neill would be the natural replacement for him at LF...as others have pointed out he has a good engine, added bonus is he can put it about a bit (more so than Smithies IMO) in respect of big tackles.'"

ralvagFather Ted:

We probably don't have any cap space. So many players have had their contracts renewed it's bound to affect the salary cap.


Trouble is our two highest paid players and them being two of our three marquee players haven't played for months. French has been out for a couple of months and Thompson since the Catalans game when we also lost Walters.  Although Walters has returned he was out for around 10-11 weeks Thompson still hasn't played.  That is just too much talent missing from the squad  not to have an adverse effect on performance..


If there was a shake up needed then Forber to be bench 9 instead of Leeming.  Walters right 2nd row and Junior off the bench. Maybe also Eckersley to replace Wardle for a couple of weeks so get Jake rested and fit again.


IMO our first 17-20 is the best in SL and by some distance. For that to be reflected in performance they all have to play especially our best players which they plainly have not.