Tim Smith officially joins Cronulla, to make debut against Parramatta

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26915131-5018866,00.html

Tim Smith has been cleared to make his NRL return, after signing a deal with Cronulla where he will make his debut against his old club Parramatta on Saturday.

The Sharks have confirmed Smith has signed a deal through to the end of the 2011 NRL season.

Smithhas been released from his dual registration with Brisbane Broncos andQueensland Cup side Easts Brisbane and will join his new Sharksteammates this week.

"It's great to see a player like TimSmith return to the NRL and given a chance to resurrect his career withthe club," Sharks CEO Richard Fisk said in a statement.

"Tim has a lot of potential and it will be great to see him realise it here with the Sharks."

Smith, 25, joins the Sharks with a glowing endorsement from captain Trent Barrett, who played with him at Wigan.

Hewas the NRL's 2005 rookie of the year before quitting Parramatta earlyin 2008 after announcing he suffered from bipolar disorder.

Honestly, I would hate to have Ricky stuart as a coach!

I loved Tim Smith, but think that Ricky Stuart will be disastrous for him, considering the confidence issues he had in the past and how much Tim used to blame himself for the misfortunes of the team. He doesn't have a good history of coaching half backs, it seems that all he does is strip them of their confidence!

Porter is a perfect example. He was was dropped this week - instead of being given the encouragement, support and backing of his coach till he improved, dropping him simply sent him the message that he doesn't have support behind him, until he comes good again. I think that is so wrong!

I wish Tim luck, but don't have much faith in Ricky Stuart.

"I agree in part but if you want to stay relevant you want to be aligned to the Riff model and you still require that guy with that vision to see it through."

Replies

Camo73 March 29, 2010 at 6:59pm

I'm looking forward to seeing Timmy back in action on Saturday.
I wonder what this means for Scott Porter.
Joey March 29, 2010 at 7:05pm

Yeah will be great to see him back. Hope he does well. Get those sharks back in the winners circle.

Good luck to him.
Bourbon Man March 29, 2010 at 7:05pm

Looks like Ricky Stuart has run out of patience with another half back! Honestly, does he think he's the only bloke to have ever been capable enough to wear the 7 shirt??
Tinkerbell March 29, 2010 at 7:12pm

Honestly, I would hate to have Ricky stuart as a coach!

I loved Tim Smith, but think that Ricky Stuart will be disastrous for him, considering the confidence issues he had in the past and how much Tim used to blame himself for the misfortunes of the team. He doesn't have a good history of coaching half backs, it seems that all he does is strip them of their confidence!

Porter is a perfect example. He was was dropped this week - instead of being given the encouragement, support and backing of his coach till he improved, dropping him simply sent him the message that he doesn't have support behind him, until he comes good again. I think that is so wrong!

I wish Tim luck, but don't have much faith in Ricky Stuart.
Michael Ericson March 29, 2010 at 8:04pm

Stuart is like Brian Smith in that he seems to pick his favorites and his favorite whipping boys early and stick to that through thick and thin.

He seems to be in love with Trent Barrett and Anthony Tupou while someone like Ben Pomeroy only need break wind at an inopportune moment to fine himself playing reggies the next week,
- Sharkiesboomboomboom > Michael Ericson March 29, 2010 at 9:14pm
  
  I understand what you are saying but Pommeroy has dropped the ball 10 times a game for ages..Good player in some ways but has lost his confidence with catching the ball....He didn't play for the reserve grade and they said he was injured but this may be to be kind....
Michael Gunn March 29, 2010 at 8:11pm

What the fuck? Sorry 1eyed first time I have ever sworn. I understand losing players cause of the cap, cause they weren't a club fit. I respected Smith. A lot of issues for such a young bloke. Glad to see him back in 1st grade but his debut against the club that spent so much time with him really gets to me! For fucks sake a little respect off and on the field! Yes the Sharks have to worry about there own issues bit what's 1 more week. God dam it!
Daz1970 March 29, 2010 at 8:37pm

I agree that it will be good to see Timmy back in first grade, though a lot of pressure is on him, a struggling club, and a struggling coach. I must admit if he was doing that well couldn't the Bronco's have kept him?
Either way all the best, do well, just not too well, lol.
Camo73 March 29, 2010 at 8:48pm

You've got to hope that it was for different reasons that Porter was missing from the side this week. He has had a really hard time lately, losing his mum and then his sister. Only 2 weeks ago the press were writing about his desire to keep on playing and the Shark's support and understanding. Wouldn't mean much if that support and understanding only lasted a week.
Even if we do assume that Porter has been given some kind of compassionate leave, what does signing Tim Smith and bringing him straight into first grade say to him? Could they be thinking of Barrett at lock? You wouldn't think he'd have the size for such a move and I can't see him playing any other position.
Daneel March 29, 2010 at 8:53pm

This is the opportunity that Tim has been looking for. I wish him all the best.

After watching tonights game, I think that hes gonna do it pretty tough guiding this team around the park. Mind you the wet did not help their cause at all tonight.

After watching him play really well in the UK, im looking forward to seeing Tim run around again. I make no apologies for being a big Tim Smith fan!