The Tim Smith + Thomas Lealaui Poll

[Davester]

I was just talking to BlueNGoldBlood who I'm good friends with and was just talking to him about these 2 players in the thread title.

Who would you pick? Tim Smith from the Premier League Parramatta squad or Thomas Lealaui.

If I were a Parramatta supporter, I wouldn't. I have a gut feeling that it's gonna cost your other talent somehow. If Parramatta sign Lealaui which is a strong chance they will, then you could put Tim Smith's contract on the line and see some other club snap it up maybe.

Sure some people be saying "He's 19 and is playing in the NZ squad" but then you got to think, It was hard for NZ to find a replacement so they threw him in there in the halves.

How old is Smith by the way? I heard he's young.

But then again even though Lealaui hasn't gone all flash in the Tri-Nation, he has gained that internatial rep experience and that's seen as a plus. Also understandable with the pressure has in the position.

Lealaui could be built into a good and established half-back for your club. But I've been getting bigger wraps on Smith then Lealaui.

It's a dud-buy or no-dud buy. It can go either way. Just whatever the Eels decide to, hopefully it's the right decision.

I'll be sure to keep ya's updated on anything I find out, I live like 15 minutes walk away from the Stadium so they train across where I live during off-season. I'll have a chat to em if I see em train.

Bring on 2005, Looking forward to the Charity Cup Match where the Wests Tigers win it back haha! ;-)

Cheers!

 

[Nikki]

I would pick Tim Smith for sure. Gotta start giving credit to players where it is due and not overloading with players playing the same position. Timmy has done his time in waiting, step him up first.

 

[The Colonel]

Have to agree with ya Nikki. It seems either there is little faith being shown in Tim's abilities by Brian or they are intent on covering all bases. Its going to lead to the loss of more players IMO.

 

[HRVTSKA]

All i hear from people is how its gonna stuff up smiths development etc.
Every halfback has challanges to overcome throughout his carrer....and if tim smith is as good as u all say then he should dig his heels in and show smith that there is only one real halfback at the club, something witt could never do.....
So for me this is a great buy cause it could lead to the makeing and breaking of T.Smith, we will just have to see?

 

[Stagger eel]

what about Blake Green and Marcus Peranara????

but between the 2 mentioned I would lean towards Thomas by a whisker!

 

[Utey]

I think Smith has patiently waited and he deserves the shot first. There were many times when Smith could have thrown him into FG but he still went well in Prems. Id choose Smith but I have a feeling that Leuluai will come good at club level. Being only 19 and playing International is a big step so you cant expect to much. I just hope Smith isnt forced to another club and the next season Leuluai doesnt leave as this move doesnt appear long term. Smith is unproven but theres nothing more satisfying than a Parra Junior leading us around.

 

[Moggles]

Never seen Smith play. Have seen Thomas play.. Therefor I voted for Thomas.

Essentially the Eels will play the best player in that position.

 

[Jake the snake]

I've said all i needed to say on this issue.

If we lose either Tim Smith or Blake Green who is even a bigger talent, then thats it for me at this club while this coach is here. This talent does not come around often infact rarely. Forget about threads that say Lets all laugh at manly, they will be saying lets all laugh at Dopey parra for letting more talent go.

 

[MarkInTheStands]

Silly Question, didn't Smith Start this year in Flegg ? ?

 

[Jake the snake]

Never seen Smith play. Have seen Thomas play.. Therefor I voted for Thomas.

Essentially the Eels will play the best player in that position.

 

[The Colonel]

Silly Question, didn't Smith Start this year in Flegg ? ?

Sure did.

Leuluai also spent a lot of time in Bartercard Cup.

 

[MarkInTheStands]

Yeah cools, I was just wondering,

I mean with Witt and Thorman Yo-Yoing around the halves, I think it is interesting to say that Smith has done his time.

I am sure he out shone Witt and Thorman last year, but I am just thinking,

I remember a Parramatta Game at the stadium and watching Premier League in 1999 or so with Angelo and we watched this young kid carve up and put a big score on the board almost single headedly. A year later he broke through for a few games, but was still on the Bench for 2001. He was about ready to step up to Chief Playmaker at the club but made an error in not communicating his intents with his player manger and he ended up in New Zealand. :x

I still think Smith and Green will have a place in the 2005 side but I think it would be nice to have a halfback knocking on the door, be it Smith or Green or Thomas hell all of them are still young enough to play Flegg !

 

[Belly in Brisvegas]

Never seen Smith play. Have seen Thomas play.. Therefor I voted for Thomas.

Essentially the Eels will play the best player in that position.

That's my call too.

 

[True EEL]

the plot just thickens again hey????

i guess we will just have to wait and see, but i guess if you sign the incumbent NZ halfback, you probably have to play him, otherwise you look silly don't you???

as i say, the plot thickens - again...... ;-)

 

[Jake the snake]

Yeah cools, I was just wondering,

I mean with Witt and Thorman Yo-Yoing around the halves, I think it is interesting to say that Smith has done his time.

I am sure he out shone Witt and Thorman last year, but I am just thinking,

I remember a Parramatta Game at the stadium and watching Premier League in 1999 or so with Angelo and we watched this young kid carve up and put a big score on the board almost single headedly. A year later he broke through for a few games, but was still on the Bench for 2001. He was about ready to step up to Chief Playmaker at the club but made an error in not communicating his intents with his player manger and he ended up in New Zealand. :x

I still think Smith and Green will have a place in the 2005 side but I think it would be nice to have a halfback knocking on the door, be it Smith or Green or Thomas hell all of them are still young enough to play Flegg !

If you think Smith is Good then you should see Blake Green play, Whenever he plays he looks to have things undercontrol and never rushing plays he is the complete package. Green plays beyond his years but he will probably need to serve his apprenticeship in Reserve grade next year and should be completely ready for 2006.

 

[Utey]

His probably my favourite Junior. Green that is. He started this year on the bench for Prems so next year Iam hoping he continues the way he was this year and gets promoted to the Prems bench.

 

[Jake the snake]

His probably my favourite Junior. Green that is. He started this year on the bench for Prems so next year Iam hoping he continues the way he was this year and gets promoted to the Prems bench.

He is from Castle Hill which makes that much better. "Local Junior"

 

[greena]

Smith controlled play well in JF and stood out, but did not set the world on fire when promoted to PL. Smith is an organising half, not blessed with great speed and defence is not a strong point either. I believe that the good players stand out when called up into higher grades.

So what am I saying - Leuluai

Blake is a similar style of player to Smith and we have Hodkinson & Keating to come from Harold Mathews over the next few years.

 

[Jake the snake]

Smith controlled play well in JF and stood out, but did not set the world on fire when promoted to PL. Smith is an organising half, not blessed with great speed and defence is not a strong point either. I believe that the good players stand out when called up into higher grades.

So what am I saying - Leuluai

Blake is a similar style of player to Smith and we have Hodkinson & Keating to come from Harold Mathews over the next few years.

It did not help when he was played at 5/8 all the time, Just to accomodate Witt and Thorman

 

[Utey]

Thats what I think as well. When Smith is allowed to play his natural game he is truely one to watch.