Board index ‹ Super League ‹ Leeds Rhinos - southstander.com ‹ NEW DEAL | Cameron Smith - Expires: 2020

Correct decision I think, but I’d want to see him step up next year. Lots of potential still.

We have a silly amount of back rowers still and not enough in the front row.

Yep. 1 year makes sense. He clearly has ability but has lost his way a bit this season

He needs a run in one position. Coming off the bench for 15 to 20 minutes and playing all over the park isn't going to benefit him in the long term

For me, the coaches need to help Smith by clarifying his role in the team. From what I've seen he has a very good skill set. Can throw cut out passes and short kicks through. If he's going down the Stevie Ward route of just a battering ram with big defense, I don't think he'll ever be the player he's been hyped to be.

He should be groomed to take over at Loose when Merrin goes. This should give him 3 years to have a defined role (which would have more ball playing than Merrin currently does) but also someone to lock up the middle.

He’s a very talented young kid and has had some unjustified criticism when, as a young kid, he’s made mistakes.

Charlie Sheen wrote:

He needs a run in one position. Coming off the bench for 15 to 20 minutes and playing all over the park isn't going to benefit him in the long term

That is true but he's also missed some D this season, especially laterally, and I think been a bit greedy at times rather than playing for the team with his distribution skills - possibly coach-driven though.

He has great aggression but I'd like to see him improve his conditioning a bit too. He needs either more mass or more pace, there's something a bit missing for him at SL level currently.

To cover the other point: yes he is skilful, but we can't have a whole pack of ball playing forwards who can't get us forward through the tough stuff. All players should be able to play, don't get me wrong. His problem in essence is that I'd probably prefer Merrin or Ward at 13, and I'm not sure he has the strike at 11 or 12 on the edges.

Agree his natural position is probably loose, and so understudy to Merrin works. Ward's fitness is always a doubt and Merrin will get injured at some point too.

I’d actually rather see Wardy as a wide threat, he has more pace.

Skilful player. Not sure if he needs to be more physical/aggressive, faster, fitter, quicker of thought, or all four.

batleyrhino wrote:

I’d actually rather see Wardy as a wide threat, he has more pace.

So do i.Next season I would play Smith at 13 Ward and Merrin 11 12.Merrin can move to 13 later in the game if we want Merrin to play big minutes.