Saw Brian Smith as coach of Wakfield Trinity on FOX today as his team beat Bradfield 40 odd to 16. I don't know how long he has been over there but he was signed with the express purpose of preventing WT being relegated this year. According to a menu shown his team is in the final eight. I saw WT earlier in the year and they were trash. They looked OK in this game--somewhere between NSW Cup and NRL standard. Another Smith was in that team, Tim Smith, former Eels half back, who was getting some wraps from the commentators for his 1st half performance. I only saw part of the second half where Smith did kick well and had the final pass for a couple of tries. As the game wore on his performance fell away a bit. I would say WT have benefited from Brian`s involvement , their structure was more OZ like than was Bradford. And their play more controlled .
Jarryed Hayne had a "sensational" debut game at Houstan against Huston. Strong runs for some "long"distances. He is all the talk on social media. All this reported from America. He looked pretty good to me. And I think will improve with more trial matches. He made monkeys out of that Grid Iron defence. Early days yet though. JH come home please!!!
Adopted Parramatta player Sam Burgess had a top game for England against France in a friendly match, I think, at Twickenham. Sam played centre--it could only happen in union--and did well in defence and attack and is now likely to be selected in the England world Cup squad. For those interested, I adopted Sam as an Eels player--like it or lump it.
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Brian Smith is/was a quality coach, might have had nervous energy for the GF's but next to Jack, BS was the best weve ever had, every team that BS coached was a team to be proud of as an eels fan, ive plenty of respect for the bloke, always have.
Ok, it's interesting seeing how he makes the transition. But let's not forget, the whole 2015 season was virtually throw on the scrap heap when Hayne suddenly left us without - A marquee player - No fullback and fek all time of signing anyone decent.
He fekked Parramatta with a double torpedo.
Brian Smith is one of the smartest NRL coaches ever, shame he didn't have the people skills to take advantage of that. Can't believe the club couldn't get him here instead of that clown Anderson. Helps having mates on the board i suppose.
Alan Hunt: Brian has a good record of restoring failing clubs and helping the juniors in doing so. It seems he has saved WT from relegation. Would they relegate a side that has made the championship eight as they call it in UK??
WT were absolute crap early in the season. It is a miracle of sorts that they are now in the finals. I think Brian was to get the job, that went to Anderson- by the intervention of Sharp, who also preferred Arthur over J Taylor.
A win, win situation or a lose.lose situation?
Parra had a chance to beat the premiership favorites last night but threw it away due to a lack of quality. So really its not parras day.
Oh burgess is in no way connected to us huge strech there.
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