I agree Smith is not an edge defender any more, and I reckon Arthur would have one of Paulo or Smith in the starting 13 defending the middle every week - if they were fit/in form - given that Peats is injured and De Gois is not quite as good a defender as our first choice hooker.
I agree a lot of fans just want to pick the best attacking prospects in our 1-13, and don't have an eye for the other factors that are needed on the field at any one time. Or they have just been disappointed in the "form" of Paulo or Smith at times when in first grade this year, and hoping for the potential of the side to be better capitalised?
I think Edwards and Gower have each had goes in the middle this year, but each doesn't quite bring the attacking potential of Paulo in that role - although he is a very rocks or diamonds style of attacker. Like most fans I'd hope that one of the young guns back rowers coming through can adopt to a middle defender role of first grade standard next year, because I don't think Smith or Paulo will be in our top 17 next season and maybe not even at the club). And hopefully with Peats back our edge forwards can have a bit of a go as ballplayers out, like some of the teams with formidable packs (Manly, Dogs etc) do on their best days?
