The Tim Smith Situation

[benoir91]

I don't think the side will struggle - in my opinion the team will gain more consistency even if it means sacrificing some flair...
Brett Finch is a SOO half back.

no offence pete but i hate people saying finch is an SOO halfback, he only played SOO because three people were injured and two turned it down becuase they weren't in the state of mind for origin, calling Finch an SOO halfback means less then what it sounds, don't get me wrong i think finch is a great player but just not a SOO player.

 

[Eelementary]

We won't be any worse off than we were last year, really - Tim wasn't exactly brilliant for the first half of 2007.

Plus Finch and Burt have a good combination going - and Burt, whilst not being in the class (perhaps) of other fullbacks, is still a damn good player and, chiming in from fullback, is more than capable of making big plays.

And as pete said - Finch is an Origin halfback. And my recollection from that game is that he played well. Maybe not overly flashy, but he did his job and did well.

We'll be sweet.

 

[Avenger]

Mateo will be the 5/8th because Hagan really rates Wagon and will slot him in at lock. Hagan knows best. I trust his judgement.

 

[Eelementary]

no offence pete but i hate people saying finch is an SOO halfback, he only played SOO because three people were injured and two turned it down becuase they weren't in the state of mind for origin, calling Finch an SOO halfback means less then what it sounds, don't get me wrong i think finch is a great player but just not a SOO player.

Yes, but Fittler and Joey themselves "retired" from rep footy and then played Origin again because the original choices were not ready or available to play.

The only difference is that they were established Origin stars already whereas Finch isn't. But I don't think it diminishes from the honour of playing rep footy that the first choices were unavailable.

 

[Avenger]

However I am still looking forward to Kris Keating making his debut sometime in 2008.

 

[parra pete]

no offence pete but i hate people saying finch is an SOO halfback, he only played SOO because three people were injured and two turned it down becuase they weren't in the state of mind for origin, calling Finch an SOO halfback means less then what it sounds, don't get me wrong i think finch is a great player but just not a SOO player.

Player of the match in one, kicked the winning field goal in the other. That'll do me as him being up to the quality required...irrespective of what got him there in the first place.
If he played, he was a SOO halfback..and you can't take that away from him.
He'll be fine. Might even push for a SOO spot again in 2008.

 

[Avenger]

hey Pete

Maybe you have already expressed your opinion but do you think Tim will be back and at what capacity ?, ie is this the beginning of the end ?

 

[parra pete]

I hope he recovers, that's for sure. If he goes all the way through with his treatment I think it could be the beginning for him. He should come back better player and person. But he will be just one drink away from disaster, and that why he will need solid support from his so called 'friends'
The inconsistencies that have plagued his performances in the past could be explained by his illness. He has the creativity to be a match winner. No doubt about that.
Despite what everyone thinks on here about my feelings towards him as a player, I certainly bear no malice to him as a person.
His last episode on the grog he only damaged himself.
What I didn't like about the previous incident was that he abused another member of society - for no apparent reason other than he was intoxicated.
That sh*ts me no end. I have seen too much of it in my lifetime.

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

Brett Finch SOO halfback again? not likely but if he can find the form he had in 2004 then why not, NSW are missing experienced halves that dont choke in big games (Matt Orford).

Finch will be ok at half back for us, aslong as Mateo can keep up his talents and ability, our backs will get plenty of good ball. Cayless, Fui Fui and Hindmarsh will make sure our pack is strong and doing the job. I think Galavao will be a complete suprize packet. I get the feeling he is going to explode and become our new super sub.

The 3 things im looking forward to most in 2008 is Kris Keatings debut, Mateo getting a run at five eight and Haynes switch to the centers.

 

[WA Eel]

no offence pete but i hate people saying finch is an SOO halfback, he only played SOO because three people were injured and two turned it down becuase they weren't in the state of mind for origin, calling Finch an SOO halfback means less then what it sounds, don't get me wrong i think finch is a great player but just not a SOO player.

Granted, but did he look out of place out there? In my oppinion, no.

 

[COACH STERLING]

Finch has the best passing game, a crisp 50cm pass back on the inside :lol:

Seriously, I hope he can run at the line a lot more. I thought he was pretty average last year (in attack anyway) but when he ran the ball he looked more dangerous. Maybe running at the line and then offloading could create another dimension to our game, something we haven't had since Taylor was around.

Having said that, I've got this feeling we'll see Smithy in reggies by the time his injury heals. By mid year, hopefully they'll be an opportunity present itself and then.........who knows

 

[Stagger eel]

in terms of following the coach's game plan, Finch was outstanding last year...

 

[COACH STERLING]

in terms of following the coach's game plan, Finch was outstanding last year...

I hope he goes well. Can't see him making inroads on opposition defences like Timmy does though.

 

[Stagger eel]

I hope he goes well. Can't see him making inroads on opposition defences like Timmy does though.

well, that's basicaly because Tim was suppose to, Finch was told all season to hang back and let the kid run the show and that's what he did, I'm looking forward to seeing what Finchy can do next season...an old hard head like him can really lift the side and I'm expecting big things from him.

 

[COACH STERLING]

well, that's basicaly because Tim was suppose to, Finch was told all season to hang back and let the kid run the show and that's what he did, I'm looking forward to seeing what Finchy can do next season...an old hard head like him can really lift the side and I'm expecting big things from him.

I dont really think it was a game plan of such but rather a combination of Finchy trying to hard and farrrking up and a lack of confidence after that. It wasn't until around mid-year when the eels started firing that Finchy come into a little more form.

and yeah, we need real big things from finchy this year. Should he get us of to a good start he may even become some what of a crowd favourite. :shock:

 

[Stagger eel]

I dont really think it was a game plan of such but rather a combination of Finchy trying to hard and farrrking up and a lack of confidence after that. It wasn't until around mid-year when the eels started firing that Finchy come into a little more form.

and yeah, we need real big things from finchy this year. Should he get us of to a good start he may even become some what of a crowd favourite. :shock:

he's execution at times was poor as was Smith's at various stages but he was never assigned to take the game by the scruff of the neck, I remember one of his worst offensive games was also was also one of his best games off the ball and that was against Penrith where he gave Puletua no scope to do jack...

 

[yy_cheng]

I still am not sold on his executions.

 

[WA Eel]

I don't think the side will struggle - in my opinion the team will gain more consistency even if it means sacrificing some flair...
Brett Finch is a SOO half back.

It seems the bookies agree. Since the time Smith affair, Parra has firmed as equal second favorites to the title with the Sea Eagles - $8.50 from Centrebet.

 

[MrT]

brett Finch was a state of origin "Bradbury"

 

[Stagger eel]

brett Finch was a state of origin "Bradbury"

well I didn't recall the opposition falling like pins as he lined up the field goal to win the game ;-)

...but i sort of take your point.