Matty Smith leaves Catalans by mutual consent

[Sir Kevin Sinfield]

Matty Smith and Tony Gigot have both left Catalans, Leeds are trying to move on Richie Myler, strange there are a few international half backs who seem to be struggling to get a club this year. 

[EagleEyePie]

Smith was one of those one dimensional halves that is strong in one particular aspect but lacking in many others. In the right team at the right time they can look like quality players, but put them out of their comfort zone and their flaws become apparent.

Smith really made a name for himself at Salford and built a reputation as one of the best halves in Super League before he joined Wigan, where he gained even more plaudits. For me his success at both clubs was down to playing alongside two very underrated overseas halves who were much better players. One was Daniel Holdsworth and the other was Blake Green. Holdsworth may not have been a world beater but he was a good all round half who was effective and dangerous enough to draw most of the attention from the opposition and do everything required to allow Smith to do what he could do well, which is kick effectively when given time and space. It was the same situation with Blake Green at Wigan. Smith wasn't the same player when Green left.

The first season with Smith and Williams together was okay. Williams was a revelation, often because he added something off the cuff in a side that was rigidly structured, a structure that Smith knew and played to effectively. As soon as teams figured Williams out a little, and Wigan's structure became predictable, you'd have expected the senior half to take charge, think on his feet and bear the burden of being the main creator. Smith's last two years at Wigan were very poor - and he was basically exposed as being poor under pressure and unable to create anything himself.

It said a lot when Wigan were willing to allow their most senior halfback to leave for their biggest rivals for nothing while still under contract.

[Mr Frisky]

2 minutes ago, EagleEyePie said:

Smith was one of those one dimensional halves that is strong in one particular aspect but lacking in many others. In the right team at the right time they can look like quality players, but put them out of their comfort zone and their flaws become apparent.

Smith really made a name for himself at Salford and built a reputation as one of the best halves in Super League before he joined Wigan, where he gained even more plaudits. For me his success at both clubs was down to playing alongside two very underrated overseas halves who were much better players. One was Daniel Holdsworth and the other was Blake Green. Holdsworth may not have been a world beater but he was a good all round half who was effective and dangerous enough to draw most of the attention from the opposition and do everything required to allow Smith to do what he could do well, which is kick effectively when given time and space. It was the same situation with Blake Green at Wigan. Smith wasn't the same player when Green left.

The first season with Smith and Williams together was okay. Williams was a revelation, often because he added something off the cuff in a side that was rigidly structured, a structure that Smith knew and played to effectively. As soon as teams figured Williams out a little, and Wigan's structure became predictable, you'd have expected the senior half to take charge, think on his feet and bear the burden of being the main creator. Smith's last two years at Wigan were very poor - and he was basically exposed as being poor under pressure and unable to create anything himself.

It said a lot when Wigan were willing to allow their most senior halfback to leave for their biggest rivals for nothing while still under contract.

So what are you saying?

[JohnM]

Here's a guy who was at the top of his game at Wigan. Long term, what does the future hold for him and players like him when his playing career is over? 

[Futtocks]

5 minutes ago, JohnM said:

Here's a guy who was at the top of his game at Wigan. Long term, what does the future hold for him and players like him when his playing career is over? 

He was superb as part of the combination with Blake Green. He doesn't seem to have found as ideal a partner since.

[Barry Badrinath]

He was bloody terrible at warrington 

[Mr Frisky]

On 05/12/2019 at 18:26, Mr Frisky said:

With Sammut gone maybe back to Wigan as a cheapish bench / Reserve player??

Well rumoured that Hastings wont be going to Wigan now so maybe they will need Smith more than they think...