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No I rate RCG I just didn't word it correctly I mean Blake and Hands were probably more apt to the can't win em all take.
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Thanks Coryn, I raced out too early
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I said that to my wife and now have 9 grandchildren~
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Not often I agree with a poppa blog but I do this time...Nice blog sir....ha!
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That's a shame PG but you do come out with some good comments every now and then......please don't worry about calling me Sir, the usual Cur is fine every now and again LOL
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I have been a massive fan of this kid since seeing him in the trials last year where he quickly became one of our most valuable players. Make no mistake, Smith is the best hooker prospect we've had in decades and is already leaps and bounds ahead of Reed Mahoney.
His defence is absolutely first rate, and his service is superb, I can't remember him ever throwing a pass that didn't hit the mark.
Ryley Smith will be a key part of this rebuild and we need to lock him in long term.
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I don't understand why we went for such a long contract with TDS unless Ryles really wanted a 2 hooker rotation. With the 6 again and speed of the game I think a quick running dummy half is needed and that probably wasn't Ryley strongest area. At least with extended bench, if we get are leading after half time he can leave TDS on the bench and get a better defender on instead.
I wonder if Ryles pictures Ryley maybe taking over from Dylan Walker in that ball playing forward role down the track after starting the game at dummy half, but how more years does Walker have left
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I still wouldn't be writing off Hopgood as the long term answer at 13 and future captain also.He's got all the tools a modern day middle/connect 13 needs.
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Great blog, Poppsy!
Smith indeed is some special and I can see him defo being a rep player.
TDS has speed to burn and will crucify lazy and slow ruck defence in the last 15-20 mins. He'll target tired forwards straight down the middle. I like JR's plan.
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Thanks Hilly, how's things in Greece and how do you watch games over there?
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More stuff to read
"Big yes. Sign him for 27 and 28. Even throw in a JAC/JDB clause. If you're playing well we will keep you for 29.
Let JDB go after this year unless he performs and is happy to be our ressie captain next year and steer the youngest around.
Paulo give…"
Let JDB go after this year unless he performs and is happy to be our ressie captain next year and steer the youngest around.
Paulo give…"
"Krams, great to see you.
Spot on, he's young and footy players are footy players, not rocket scientists or monks.
Hope the club and players embrace him and support him.
I'd still like to see legal action, just out of principle. "
Spot on, he's young and footy players are footy players, not rocket scientists or monks.
Hope the club and players embrace him and support him.
I'd still like to see legal action, just out of principle. "
"If Both Paulo and De Belin leaves in 2027, then I'd have Barnett as an old head part of the rotation. No problem.
Assuming the likes of Doorey/Guymer/Tuivati continue their development and take over the leadership of the pack. Or we sign another…"
Assuming the likes of Doorey/Guymer/Tuivati continue their development and take over the leadership of the pack. Or we sign another…"
In our well-justified praise of Ryley Smith, there is a big thing being missed: his ability to read the game and footy IQ.
He is a couple of plays ahead and anticipating every move both in defence, primarily at present, but also in setting up the attack.
He is remarkably intelligent as a footballer, and I suspect he is smart off field as well.
Just watch how he puts himself in position to harass the kicker when the opposition are on the 4th and 5th tackle.
Just watch the way he reads the fullback and wingers positioning to kick for field position and game management. He might not be nailing those 40-20s yet, but don't be surprised if he does soon enough.
His elite cricketing skills would help. It's not just about peripheral 360-degree vision on a cricket wagon wheel. It's about space.
When he is on-field we seem so much more organised.
I feel somewhat sorry for poor young TDS who is being compared to him, and whilst he is a handy and promising player, he is not in the same league as our Ryley.
Ryley is a born leader.
Now before I get more excited about what I am saying, stop, and think: Who does he remind you of?
No, not Reed Mahoney. He is "steam roller fodder" in comparison. This kid stands up to the biggest forwards and still downs them.
He is not particularly fast. He hardly misses a tackle. He can kick. And manages to find himself in the right place at the right time.
Any more guesses? That's right, Cameron Smith. The GOAT! He is exactly the same style of player.
We have something special with this young man.
Ryley Smith opens up in a broad-ranging interview with SEN Radio, 2 December 2025.