On loan , training this morning. Thoughts?

Always comes accros as a bit of a knob, but I suppose he has been a better full back then any of the players currently at the club in the past. Not sure its a position that the club are short in, so rather pointless.

First question would have to be why???

Decent before his move to Union, not so good anymore. Don't think we need him.

If this is true why do we need a fullback come winger? The 2 positions we don't really need ! Motu Tony I feel sorry for him.

Does he go back this afternoon is my only question.

Could it be that RA has lost patience with Richie Mathers?

Never thought I would say this, but.......I HAVE TO AGREE WITH NGB4C on this..







Give Motu Tony a chance, as in the games he has played, he has gone well !!

Good under the high ball, yes we need some to catch the bloody ball, give him a go, note to loose

He was given the centre position at Leeds last season wasn't he but was beaten by Watkins and Hardaker

Either way, I don't particularly like him, but I've seen him have some great games in the past. Can't hurt but if Mathers is to be dropped I'd play him on the wing and Cockayne to FB, or even centre with Mellars on the wing.

I don't hold with the Tony thoughts. He is too old now for me and has hardly played any first team games in a few years. We picked him up after he was playing rugby union any way and hasn't had much since. I'm thinking it is a bigger step to find lost youth than to learn not yet gained skills.

Taking out the questions about whether you need him on loan in the first place and the positions he may or may not fill, I think Lee Smith is a better player than most of you appear to be giving him credit for. He is a player most Leeds fans would be happy to see playing in the side, but equally now with Hardaker likely to fill the full-back role next year and winger/centre positions also reasonably well covered by other squad players and some of the academy if required, I think he is going to struggle to get consistent game time at Leeds. That said, he is still a very good player but there are slightly better players ahead of him keeping him out.

He trained hard in the off season and hasn't looked out of place when called on to play. I think he is a good utility player and think he can cover every back row position, including stand-off if required. I personally think that if given a good run at centre, with any Super League side, he could still be one of the stand out players in SL in that position... although I think he will never quite make an international centre now.

If this is a prelude to seeing how he goes before signing him fulltime for next year instead of mathers then i can see mileage in it. Better bet than Tansey or Mcgoldrick thats for sure. If its just as a stop gap for this season then its a waste of money as we have enough cover in the squad already.

Thought we needed a big barnstorming aggressive prop? Think thats more of a priority than another utility back.

Not with how Mathers has been performing ?

Dear me. He is way above the quality of any other player you have. Does it really matter which position he plays?

Excellent fullback, better winger than you currently have, and before he went to union was when he played centre and certainly looked better there than what you currently have. Can also switch to half back or hooker if required.

He deserved to get away from Leeds, because he is better than a reserve, and I hope he shows you exactly what he has in his locker.

That is potentially a very good signing/trialing/loaning or whatever it is.

Happy if true and would surely slot in at full back with mathers struggling of late.

He'll be playing centre at a guess with collis and mellers crocked for another 3 week at least. Personally think he'll go ok.

Better than Aiton or Amor?
No.

Considering the other thread that says Sellers is out for 2 months, I'd say he is very much needed.

Makes more sense with the news those two are out.

Yes. Far more quality. He is a proven match winner from individual quality.

Could Amor play any of the back positions better than Smith? No, but I bet Smith would make a better shot at Prop than Amor would at fullback.

Could Aiton play any of the back positions better than Smith? No, and I bet Smith would make a better shot at Hooker (which he is actually very good at) than Aiton would at fullback.

i think smith is a decent player, and i am not sorry to see him at the club

isn't he a goalkicker?

I disagree. I think Aiton and Amor are better quality players.

Good for you. I suppose when you are limited to seeing only that sort of quality every week you have no choice but to think that's as good as it gets.

I can assure you that Smith will be a most excellent signing for you.