Under fire: Knights fans unload on Danny Wicks

[antonius]

I wouldn't pick Wicks. Apology accepted.

Taufua and White have both been more impressive than him. Where we might differ is that I don't think it's quite as major an issue as you do. I find it hard to believe that the result would have been hugely different on Sunday with White instead of Wicks.

I said nothing about Wicks in post 16. I was replying to one of your posts in which you made assertions as to why Smith hasn't won a premiership. Aside from grand finals (which we agree isn't relevant at the moment) his coaching record is fantastic. His week-to-week selections can't have been too bad over the years. Of course that doesn't mean he isn't making a mistake with Wicks.

I'll say it again, I'm not comparing White with Wicks as such, I'm saying bringing three players (Forwards) back from injury in one game and one of them is Wicks is not a smart move.

 

[BG]

I'm not comparing White with Wicks as such, I'm saying bringing three players (Forwards) back from injury in one game and one of them is Wicks is not a smart move.

I appreciate that you are suggesting there was a combined affect from having three back at the same time. But when it came down to final selection they would still have had to be considered individually. Obviously Smith would have been aware of where they were at fitness-wise and the forward rotation plan would have been built around the expectation of certain numbers of minutes from each of them. I thought Cross went pretty well and I think not selecting him would have been a massive call and a wrong one. Given that Taufua wasn't available, the other selections really came down to the fact that Smith has obviously never rated White very highly and has the perpetual hots for our oversized under-achiever.

 

[The Devil]

But the return of Ben Cross, Jesse Royal and Wicks from injury meant that White, who has agreed to a one-year contact with the Gold Coast for next season, was squeezed out of Newcastle's squad.

When did White sign with the Tits?

Disappointing that we couldn't have kept him, wonder what ever happened to the "talks" we were planning to hold with him?

 

[cram]

Smith's comments clearly show how out of touch he is with the tribalism that is NEWCASTLE.

I wonder if he realises that a % of the so called faceless people on this forum are members of the Crusasde, season ticket holders and reguloar attendees at games.

These people are not faceless, they are supporters who will be around a lot longer then Smith.

It would be naive to think that Smith would react, by making changes, based on fans opinions however, his comments smack of arrogance and show how out of touch he is with the people that make the game what it is. THE FANS.

 

[macavity]

Smith's comments clearly show how out of touch he is with the tribalism that is NEWCASTLE.

I wonder if he realises that a % of the so called faceless people on this forum are members of the Crusasde, season ticket holders and reguloar attendees at games.

These people are not faceless, they are supporters who will be around a lot longer then Smith.

It would be naive to think that Smith would react, by making changes, based on fans opinions however, his comments smack of arrogance and show how out of touch he is with the people that make the game what it is. THE FANS.

I wouldn't agree mate, I think he has proven himself to be quite open and accessable to fans - but that isn't really the issue.

You might have a point about him not understanding Newcastle fans, but to be fair he did coach the Dragons, and their fans arent just "passionate", they are often "deranged", so I think he knows about overbearing fans, although his tenure there was before the internet took hold, so its not quite the same.

I would be worried if he did change selections based on fan pressure - that isn't a way to pick a team.

But I am more worried that he picks Wicks in the first place.

I don't think it will worry Smithy one bit - but soft serve will probably be feeling a bit down about it, I know I would if I was him.

Still, in true netspeak, LOL @ this article...

 

[Alex28]

Didn't the mass cull of last year show "how out of touch he is with the tribalism that is Newcastle"?

In saying that...isn't that part of the culture that the club is trying to change? If we kept the same culture and kept the plodders of last year who couldn't (or wouldn't) have a go unless Joey was on the field we wouldn't be in contention for the 8. Simple as that.

He has had the same selection criteria all year and when we are winning no one seems to have a massive problem with it (comments are made, but nothing like this week). We get belted by undoubtedly the form team of the competition and now we are calling for blood?

Smith is not arrogant. He is defending his team in the local media. What do you expect him to say? He had to make some comment given the amount of comment made on the Herald website. Robert Dillion obviously said something to Smith - what was he going to say?

The team is a work in progress. Be thankful we don't have the team of old - under the old ethos - who couldn't win without Andrew Johns, because we would be running dead last.

 

[Karmawave]

I would be worried if he did change selections based on fan pressure - that isn't a way to pick a team.

One day when I own an NRL team, I'm going to allow season ticket holders, shareholders and club members to vote on the selection of the team week in week out.

It will be a special website section available only to members, who between Tuesday 8am and 1pm will vote in the 17 players.

And I'm serious.

 

[macavity]

One day when I own an NRL team, I'm going to allow season ticket holders, shareholders and club members to vote on the selection of the team week in week out.

It will be a special website section available only to members, who between Tuesday 8am and 1pm will vote in the 17 players.

And I'm serious.

you know what will happen - all the grannies and stay at home mums will jump on

and we will end up with a team of Riley Browns...

 

[Karmawave]

you know what will happen - all the grannies and stay at home mums will jump on

and we will end up with a team of Riley Browns...

It's ok, as long as they pay their $650 per year membership fee, they can't blame anyone but themselves ;-)

But seriously, you'd find that if supporters had the input into team selection, every member would be finding a way to the selection area every Tuesday no matter what.

The concept itself is not unique. A soccer team in Europe does something similar. I'd deadset do it with an NRL team for sure. Players put into selection groups, obviously you won't be able to pick Danny Wicks on the wing.

 

[perverse]

bizarre karma.. i actually had a similar thought towards the start of the season. not that i aspire to own an NRL club or anything.. but it would be an interesting and unique way to run a football side.. and would certainly drive membership.

 

[Jono078]

I'm of the opinion it should be like that, because quite frankly I feel I can pick good teams

Although then you would just have your general supporters who will go with players they know, take 2006 for example, I bet none of the general supporters knew any other centres besides Carmont and Gidley!

 

[Jobdog]

It's not a bad idea, but it is fraught with danger ...

 

[perverse]

I'm of the opinion it should be like that, because quite frankly I feel I can pick good teams

Although then you would just have your general supporters who will go with players they know, take 2006 for example, I bet none of the general supporters knew any other centres besides Carmont and Gidley!

that's why the voting would only be open to exclusive (read: passionate enough to fork out for the biggest membership package) members on a private forum. additionally you have the advantage of group discussion etc to aid with the problem of little knowledge of players.

the one massive concern i would have with the system is that every gun player in lower grades would get his shot at first grade well before they are ready or have earned it. let's face it, we probably would have ruined a few careers over the years if we were in control. the thing about being on a forum is that behind our veils of anonymity we forget that we're dealing with human beings.

 

[Karmawave]

the one massive concern i would have with the system is that every gun player in lower grades would get his shot at first grade well before they are ready or have earned it. let's face it, we probably would have ruined a few careers over the years if we were in control. the thing about being on a forum is that behind our veils of anonymity we forget that we're dealing with human beings.

That is easily rectified if the coaching and training staff truly feel a player is not ready for first grade, then they are not even on the team selection ballot.

Only when they are deemed ready will they be an option to vote for on the weekly team selection.

 

[Hanscholo]

Im not sure what it is Smith sees Wicks learning in first grade that he cant learn in reserves? I have defended his selection as a requirement for learning all year but come the pointy end of the season, if your not putting in then you shouldnt be playing 1st grade. His form is terrible.

 

[Alex28]

Who would want to play for a football club where there is no one who works for the club actually accountable for the selection of the team? Playing first grade is at the whim of whoever is prepared to pay the most for the priviledge? Where their salary (particularly players on match payments) is guided by their popularity with fans and not necessarily their performance or work ethic?

Appreciate the passion and motivation behind the idea but it is pretty ridiculous...

 

[Pika]

Wonder if I am in trouble?

When did White sign with GC?

 

[macavity]

was announced on the news last night mate.

 

[Pika]

Terrible news.

 

[Burwood]

I'd love to see selection in the side determined by people who see the players for 80 minutes/week. ](*,)