The Tim Smith + Thomas Lealaui Poll

[Avenger]

Looking at the latest poll it surprises me that an untried premier League player can outvote a current test player. Jake you know you can only vote once. ;-)

 

[Stagger eel]

WE WANT LEULUAI!

WE WANT LEULUAI!

WE WANT LEULUAI!

WE WANT LEULUAI!WE WANT LEULUAI!

WE WANT LEULUAI!WE WANT LEULUAI!

WE WANT LEULUAI!WE WANT LEULUAI!

WE WANT LEULUAI!WE WANT LEULUAI!

WE WANT LEULUAI!WE WANT LEULUAI!

WE WANT LEULUAI!WE WANT LEULUAI!

WE WANT LEULUAI!

Say it with me now!

is there a doctor in the house??? :shock:

 

[Pazza]

Any halfback in the NRL would be a better test halfback than Leuleui!

 

[Avenger]

So then why aren't NZ selectors picking someone else ? Wake Up!!! the kid MUST have something. I think some of the so called 'experts' in this forum have their head way up their arse.

 

[Eelementary]

So then why aren't NZ selectors picking someone else ? Wake Up!!! the kid MUST have something. I think some of the so called 'experts' in this forum have their head way up their arse.

Precisely. Ropati, Hohaia and Ross could all play halfback. Yet Tommy gets the nod.

Don't get me wrong - the only reason I'm barracking for him is to keep things interesting around here.

Although I do actually think he is a smart footballer who just needs to refine his game a little.

 

[yy_cheng]

So then why aren't NZ selectors picking someone else ?

Maybe coz he is an Anderson favourite??

I haven't seen Smith play but speed is not everything if your outside backs and 5/8th has speed. Furthermore, we TRY to attack with the forwards as well, e.g. Caylo and Hindy.

I would prefer a player who is quick between the ears as hb rather than quick on his feet. (Of course, both would be nice). If your 7 is not a link man, he would tend to go himself a bit more and then ignore his outside men.

I dearly hope that Marsh is fit and plays the full 80.

 

[Jake the snake]

Looking at the latest poll it surprises me that an untried premier League player can outvote a current test player. Jake you know you can only vote once. ;-)

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Classic

If put my neck on the line for this kid. If im wrong and I'll never here the end of it and I will probably deserve that.

 

[The Colonel]

So then why aren't NZ selectors picking someone else ? Wake Up!!! the kid MUST have something. I think some of the so called 'experts' in this forum have their head way up their arse.

Hohaia was apparently injured, Jones quit on them, Ropati wasn't considered good enough and Robbie Paul for what ever reason is preferred at hooker. Add to that Perenara (untried at NRL level let alone Test level) who was the only other half selected and the Kiwis were thin on the ground for halfbacks.

Not too many Kiwi halfbacks around.... ;-) who want to play for Mr Anderson.

Personally I think he is a good player however I also think that compared with the players we already have he offers about the same or a little less in some areas.

 

[Utey]

As i don't read this site much these days i don't know if this has been brought up but, has anyone considered the fact that the reason we are now after Leuluai is that marsh all of the sudden isnt looking as certain to be right to play as first thought...?

As for those suggesting Tim Smith is ready for first grade, and has "served his time", the kid started the year in Flegg!, and had we had a successful season in the top grade, he wouldnt have even been required in Prem's!!

If he isn't willing to serve his apprenticeship out, then his fate will be the same as the Witt boys, and quite frankly having watched both in first grade this year, that is no great loss!

Thats a very good point and well may be the reason why we are chasing Leuluai. If you think about it and Marsh gets injured we will have to throw Smith in there who has had no experience. But if Marsh comes good Id expect to see Leulaui in Prems unless Marsh is used as an impact hooker. Next year may not be Smiths shot unless he takes his opportunities in the trials where he is apparently getting a shot.

 

[Eelementary]

Come on people - you know you want to chant his name.

And don't worry - his three-syllabled name can be chanted in precisely the same way as the greatest champion in WWE history's:

J

B

L

Come on now!

Leu lu ai
Leu lu ai
Leu lu ai
Leu lu ai
Leu lu ai
Leu lu ai
Leu lu ai
Leu lu ai

 

[eeelectroshooting?]

Leulaui had a great game this morning, kicking game wasnt too flash, but led NZ round the park fantasticly. took on the line a couple of times, with one excellent break showing a lot of speed, which T.smith is supposedly lacking. pity about the possible dislocated shoulder. im convinced now he would be an excellent asset.

people were saying he wasnt that great in his tests against the 'roos, but that was a 19yr old, or however old he is, playing against australias best (+bennets favourites). and a little more competition for the no.7 cant hurt, as long as smith has learnt a valuble lesson from playing favourties. it seems he learnt from the recruitment 2003-2004, lets hope hes had a few more realisations about what works and what doesnt.

 

[GoParra]

was looking better than in his previous tests, what is it with the kiwis and the 2nd half though, cant score a point

 

[Utey]

He did look good and if his signed Ive got a feeling Marsh may not be up to playing the 7 next year.

 

[BlueNGoldBlood]

still no news wether he has actualy signed with us?

and he did play alot better this morning against a quality? :lol: side, cant hurt to have him i say..

 

[eloquentEEL]

my views on Leuleuai's game this morning:

+ solid defence
+ great long passing ability
+ great break

- poor kicking game (short and long)
- poor timing on some passes
- low involvement with no touches in some sets

He certainly has potential, and I am salivating at the thought of his passing ability, ie. the ability to spread the ball quickly with long, bullet-like passes hitting players on the chest. With a bit of encouragement to have more involvement in attack and training to take better options, I can see him putting Tahu and Grothe around or through a number of defensive lines.

 

[Utey]

Have to remember his a 19 year old playing at test level. Its not the easiest thing to do. Could be a much better assest at club level.

 

[eeelectroshooting?]

yeah his defence was solid for a little guy.

 

[Iafeta]

So then why aren't NZ selectors picking someone else ? Wake Up!!! the kid MUST have something. I think some of the so called 'experts' in this forum have their head way up their arse.

Hohaia was apparently injured, Jones quit on them, Ropati wasn't considered good enough and Robbie Paul for what ever reason is preferred at hooker. Add to that Perenara (untried at NRL level let alone Test level) who was the only other half selected and the Kiwis were thin on the ground for halfbacks.

Not too many Kiwi halfbacks around.... ;-) who want to play for Mr Anderson.

Personally I think he is a good player however I also think that compared with the players we already have he offers about the same or a little less in some areas.

Incorrect. Jerome Ropati had surgery. Or else he certainly would have been the halfback, or perhaps five eighth.

 

[Avenger]

Assuming he has popped his shoulder thats another player we may acquire for next year coming back from a serious injury.

 

[eeelectroshooting?]

not that serious an injury, sometimes they can pop it straight back in and keep playing. im sure most players would have had it at least once in their lives. the worry is if it happens a second or third time, then they're in trouble.

unless of course this isnt the first time!