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ESL Grand Final 2008 - *spoiler*

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Calixte

First Grade
Messages
5,428
Super first half of football.

A couple of quick thoughts.

Lee Smith is an absolute must on one wing for England. His form in this game has been tremendous.

Graham looked solid and should add some strength upfront.

Excellent speed of the game despite the rain pouring down at Old Trafford. The ESL thankfully has so little of the wrestling currently dominating the NRL.
 
J

JasonE

Bench
Messages
3,107
I actually think Smith should be fullback,which is his natural position and i've never seen anything from Wellens at test level.
Leeds started to muscle up when Nick Scruton came on, he is an under rated player and a great signing for Bradford.
 
C

Calixte

First Grade
Messages
5,428
I thought he was going to start walking up to a few and dishing out the odd Liverpool kiss... :lol:
 
S

St.John

Juniors
Messages
263
Calixte said:
I thought he was going to start walking up to a few and dishing out the odd Liverpool kiss... :lol:
Click to expand...

Absolutely!

The word that sprang to mind when they showed showed the dressing room was prowling.

He actually looked quite intimidating!
 
C

Calixte

First Grade
Messages
5,428
JasonE said:
I actually think Smith should be fullback,which is his natural position and i've never seen anything from Wellens at test level.
Leeds started to muscle up when Nick Scruton came on, he is an under rated player and a great signing for Bradford.
Click to expand...

One thing I'll say about Wellens.

I didn't rate him for years. Too slow etc. etc.

But he has grown as a player in the last couple of years. He should be England's fullback. Smith on the wing.

Wellens is a world-class fullback when it comes to his defence, safety, strength, inspiration and the traditional custodial skills. If only he was as fast and elusive (at pace because he has good footwork) as Billy Slater he would be the ultimate fullback. :(
 
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S

St.John

Juniors
Messages
263
Calixte said:
One thing I'll say about Wellens.

I didn't rate him for years. Too slow etc. etc.

But he has grown as a player in the last couple of years. He should be England's fullback. Smith on the wing.

Wellens is a world-class fullback when it comes to his defence, safety, strength, inspiration and the traditional custodial skills. If only he was as fast as Billy Slater he would be the ultimate fullback. :(
Click to expand...

People always describe him as slow, but he scores tries running in support and consistently beats the first defensive players in when he fields a kick.

I don't think he's as slow as some make out, he just looks like he;s crapped his pants when he runs, like a concussed ostrich or something.
 
C

Calixte

First Grade
Messages
5,428
I agree with that.

I was amending my post re- footwork at pace when you posted.

He does have excellent stepping. It just looks a little slow motion at times...he is great on bad tracks though.
 
C

Calixte

First Grade
Messages
5,428
40/20 of the year by Lee Smith at fullback.

Running backwards, gathers the ball, arc like run, hooks it back, 40/20...

Try Leeds off the back. 18-12.
 
C

Calixte

First Grade
Messages
5,428
Epic match.

Rain still pouring.

18-16 Leeds over Saints...

Lee Smith heading for Harry Sunderland Medal???
 
C

Calixte

First Grade
Messages
5,428
Low camera shot of McGuire.

Rain streaming down...can't emphasise that enough. Mesmeric stepping from the little Leeds standoff half.
 
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