timmy smith

courtesy of foxsports.com.auhttp://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26202785-5018866,00.htmlBrisbane Broncos a step closer to snaring wayward star Tim SmithBy Karl deKrooOctober 13, 2009 .Troubled playmaker Tim Smith is a step closer to relaunching his NRL career with Broncos Broncos after Queensland Cup affiliate side Easts Tigers nominated the former Parramatta halfback to complete the pre-season with Brisbane's elite squad.Smith left the Eels mid-season last year after a string of alcohol-related off-field incidents and revelations he was battling bipolar disorder.After taking some time out with his family on the Gold Coast, Smith took up a deal to join the Wigan Warriors in the English Super League.He played 12 games for the Warriors at five-eighth this year before a shoulder injury ended his campaign and he returned to Australia.While the Broncos played no direct role in his recruitment, under their affiliate arrangement with Easts, they invited the Tigers to put forward a player to undertake the pre-season with the NRL squad. Smith has been the player nominated for this summer.It was through the same link that winger Antonio Winterstein was elevated to the full-time squad after he was signed by Easts from Sydney Roosters. He went on to play every game for the Broncos this year.While Peter Wallace is Brisbane's first-choice halfback and under-20s No. 7 Ben Hunt is considered a player of the future, the lack of another halfback option on the roster was exposed when Wallace was injured before the preliminary final loss to Melbourne Storm last month and veteran Tonie Carroll was pushed to the halves.Wallace is recovering from a broken ankle and will face a race against the clock to be ready for pre-season trials in February - which could present an opportunity for Smith to show his wares.The Broncos are finalising their training squad for the pre-season, with up to seven members of the under-20s side to be elevated to the senior squad.Of the other members of this year's elite squad, Tom Hewitt and Aaron Gorrell will join high-profile duo Karmichael Hunt and Dave Taylor in the departure lounge, while Palmer Wapau will not have a Broncos contract but will remain with feeder side Redcliffe.The Broncos have also moved to bolster their forward stocks, signing North St Josephs product Rohan Ahern from the Roosters and Canberra under-20s prop Matt Britt.Ahern played four first-grade games for the Roosters this season.

I'm actually really surprised teams like Newcastle and Canberra didn't have a crack at getting Timmy on the books for a minimum wage. Both teams have struggled to find an "answer" at halfback I think Smith could have been a good fit at either club, even if they had have bought him as a back-up.

I understand that Canberra were probably a little worried about purchasing a player with Smiths rap sheet after the ongoing battles with Todd Carney. Newcastle though would of had nothing to lose, Mullen has immense talent though lacks direction, Rogers imo isn't strong enough to be a starting 6 I see him more as a versatile utility of the bench and Dureau is just to inconsistent I saw him play a few games during the year and was left thinking this bloke could deadset play origin, then I saw some other games where he was unsighted or was just terrible.

Anyways good luck too Timmy I hope more than anything that by moving back to QLD he regains his sanity, and plays some good footy in the process.

"I did say if he trimmed down. If he was proper fit and kept in shape I am confident he could handle cup level footy. I am not saying that will happen"

"If you're not first, you're last. We were never going to win a comp in 25. Are we on a better path than.the previous decade, I'd say it's early days but yes."

"Mate it's absolutely cheating. It's giving his team and unfair advantage as to make the ball difficult to grip giving the defence a huge advantage. It slows the passing game and also there a good chance the opposition knock on "

Replies

blueNgold October 13, 2009 at 9:23am

I'm actually really surprised teams like Newcastle and Canberra didn't have a crack at getting Timmy on the books for a minimum wage. Both teams have struggled to find an "answer" at halfback I think Smith could have been a good fit at either club, even if they had have bought him as a back-up.

I understand that Canberra were probably a little worried about purchasing a player with Smiths rap sheet after the ongoing battles with Todd Carney. Newcastle though would of had nothing to lose, Mullen has immense talent though lacks direction, Rogers imo isn't strong enough to be a starting 6 I see him more as a versatile utility of the bench and Dureau is just to inconsistent I saw him play a few games during the year and was left thinking this bloke could deadset play origin, then I saw some other games where he was unsighted or was just terrible.

Anyways good luck too Timmy I hope more than anything that by moving back to QLD he regains his sanity, and plays some good footy in the process.
1Eyed Eel October 13, 2009 at 10:10am

Go Timmy!

I actually think Brisbane will miss the eight this year for the first time since its inception. The double-whammy of losing Taylor and Hunt will take so much out of their attack - Locky will be under even more pressure to come up with big plays and he's going to be an even bigger target.
Djl October 13, 2009 at 1:07pm

he wont even get a start in the broncos side
Eeldarado October 14, 2009 at 11:54am

The guy was under pressure when we were going through a rough patch at the eels and couldnt manage it!!!!

I hope he stays on the straight and narrow!! but going to the Broncos a club that has been so successful for a short period of time the pressure will be and the expectations are always high!!
Clive October 14, 2009 at 1:02pm

The reality is if Tim hits form it will be Wallace who is in reserve grade,Wallace is overated and doesnt have anywhere near as much skill as Tim.With Lockyer helping him out Smith may just turn things around and show everyone what he is capable of.