Just think of the SH we can get to replace long with the free cap space. It sure as hell wont be some overated muppet like Tim Smith

Don't you need to be rated before being overrated?

How many times have you seen Tim Smith actually play?

I've seen him play several times in this country and he has never really impressed me tbh - some of that may be the fact he was overshadowed by Barrett when I have seen him so I guess we'll wait and see this year.

He played very well yesterday (yes it was against Leigh). He has slimmed down and was very enthusiastic. Two of the Wigan tries came from his passes (the first was a beauty).

I have my concerns on how he and Tommy will play as a pair but they have been o.k. v Huddersfield and Leigh.

As you say, time will tell.

Well from what I saw last year he did need to lose a few pounds but I would imagine that came from his time off. I thought his natural position was 7 rather than a 6 too and in honesty I really expected TL to play more Hooker this year spelling with Riddell and using young Tomkins at 6

Plenty fyi. Dont rate him one bit im afraid.

The messiah returns

Not unless Rogue's looks like Bryn!

www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... tlead.html Would you take him back in 2 years time with the abundance of youngsters coming through, wheeler, armstrong, foster, lomax, haggerty etc

www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... tlead.html Would you take him back in 2 years time with the abundance of youngsters coming through, wheeler, armstrong, foster, lomax, haggerty etc

What makes you think that the current crop of Superleague youngsters are going to be any better than the ones we have failed to produce for 13 years?

not guarantees but personally id like to see those mentioned above given a shot, as much as it pains me to say this to u brian i agree with you on most young player discussions as youll recall but i think those mentioned will succeed

It's a major worry as you and I have discussed at length many times, and to be fair I've not sen that much of the players you've mentioned. As you know I rate Foster highly, but there's something wrong somewhere with the quality of our kids coming through to top level.

If I knew the answer I wouldn't be sat here typing would I?

Good win on Sunday v Villa, I thought that Everton would struggle.

it is a major concern that our youngsters arent kicking on, but if they dont get their chance they never will, for example matty smith if sean long hadnt have got injured he would still be in the reserves at saints possibly in nl1, however he used his experience of those couple of games of first grade, and is forging a career now and in my opinion he sparked the mini comeback for celtic saturday night

as with this case two years time the likes of foster wheeler etc will be turning 20 so still time to be coached would you bring lyon back paying him mega bucks and again keeping young english players out of position and backs especially which at international level is the biggest concern, because id prefer the young lads given a chance.


yes i thought the same but another big test in the next round hopefully this can be evertons year again in the cup

If we ever get the option to bring back Lyon we should. There aren't many world class import players available, and you have to take the opportunities as they become available.

i understand that but with the state of our international side surely its better to start bringing through our young players

Yes, definatly.

I feel privileged having seen such a talent playing for us when he was here before, having the chance to watch him in a St Helens shirt again would be amazing.

Edited for accuracy.

It is not a question of bring in Lyon or have a youth policy. You have to have a balance to stay competitive. Which means if you bring in imports make sure they are high quality. It also means not bringing in average imports, and play them instead of giving youth a chance.

As long as Lyon doesn't cost too much, it is a no-brainer.

point ill make again surely for the greater good, of the international game it would be better to give the young lads a go,

i no i dont post alot but i read alot and it seems people on here are quite prepared to big the youngsters up and wish them the best of luck etc but when given the option would prefare to bring the highly paid aussies over for two possibly three seasons, meaning that possibly 3 age groups of players will pass through the reserves and amount to nothing.

dont get me wrong i love seeing fantastic australian talents coming over to super league but i would rather see the best coming over here with the touring teams, providing a quality tournament at the end of the year, as opposed to seeing the lets be honest at best average players turn out in super league, and the fantastic prospects of our youth systems going to waste

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I would only sign him, as long as he wasn't taking a spot of someone who was young and good enough for us. At 29 going on 30 we wouldn't get many years out of him, so if he wasn't hindering anyone then sure, I'd have him back like that.

If that's true, I'll kiss you!

fair enough but all if he does come and stay for two three years say, what is gonna happen to the likes of foster etc a great shame that we are going to prolong their opportunity to play for the club.

again don't get me wrong lyon is an absolutely fantastic player and played really well for us saved us at times, but the reaction of some people on the other thread calling him a god, messiah etc is a shame also were we really that much of a one man team when he played we haven't won the super league since his departure but still two challenge cups not bad if you ask me so the other players around him must have been doing something right.

also in my opinion gidley has done as much if not more for the team than lyon but the words legend and messiah havent been mentioned after his name