Contender for joke of the month.greeneyed wrote: ↑October 17, 2023, 10:19 am Smithies looks like a traditional "middle" style lock forward. But Horsburgh has been evolving into a player with more skills in attack, and fitter. So perhaps he can also cover Whitehead being spelled. They won't be recruiting Smithies from England not to play him in firsts, we can be pretty sure of that. Recruited players (eg Levi and Saulo) seem to come on that promise.
The alternative way to look at Smithies is that he is a high involvement defender, like Whitehead. But Whitehead gets lots of traffic as he misses a lot of tackles (and doesn't do a lot of damage in defence). Smithies doesn't miss a lot of tackles (tackle efficiency over 95 per cent). So there's an improvement likely there if he substitutes for Whitehead. Maybe Stuart hopes to develop his threat in attack. But then again he only made three offloads this year, 77 average running metres and 21 tackle breaks.
Raiders sign Morgan Smithies on three year deal from 2024
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Agree there 100% but as I outlined here https://thegh.com.au/forum/viewtopic.ph ... 4#p1962524 I don't see us addressing the second row question until 2025 which is frustrating. If we offload a middle forward, we've got one spot left in the top 30 and I'm certain it will be filled with a journeyman halfback as we're currently one man short. I think we can make it work for one season though provided we get some minutes out of Smithies or Mooney at second row so Whitehead isn't playing the full 80 mins each week.Botman wrote: ↑October 17, 2023, 9:28 amYeah we really aught to be trying to offload a middle forward or two, take on freight if we have to, we have the cap to absorb it.Raiders_Pat wrote: ↑October 17, 2023, 9:19 amThose were my initial thoughts too but if we're able to move on a prop then I don't mind it at all. We've got Saulo and Hola going into the 1 November market, if one of them are able to find a deal elsewhere then we should be looking at an early release if possible.Botman wrote: ↑October 17, 2023, 8:58 am obviously he’s a talented player so that’s good
But I can’t pretend it’s not a little disappointing we’ve added yet another body, even if it’s a pretty high quality one, into a middle forward rotation that is already so log jammed that we can’t reliably get Trey Mooney NRL opportunities.
At least it sounds like he’s a legit 13 though so that’s something very positive
And look, you cant complain about adding quality talent and this guy seems to be a quality talent so not complaining
but we're overinvested in middles and the edge forward problem HAS to be addressed.
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Who exactly is "you lot"?Timbo wrote: ↑October 17, 2023, 8:41 am Club: Loses tonnes of first grade experience, signs noone.
Fans on GH: Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, why haven't we signed anyone! We need some experience!
Club: Signs player with 100+ games of experience, Grand Final winner, English test player.
Fans on GH: Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, that's not the player I wanted.
**** hell you lot.
* The author assumes no responsibility for the topicality, correctness, completeness or quality of information provided.
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
If this guy is coming as a lock I'm deeply disappointed.
Pretty much would put a red line through Puru and Mooney for next year IMO, knowing Ricky's lovefest with Guler and Saulo.
If we have him earmarked as a second rower I'm more interested however I've hardly heard any glowing endorsements for him in that role.
Pretty much would put a red line through Puru and Mooney for next year IMO, knowing Ricky's lovefest with Guler and Saulo.
If we have him earmarked as a second rower I'm more interested however I've hardly heard any glowing endorsements for him in that role.
Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Another grinder?
He’ll fit right in!
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
I hope he doesn’t treat our club like Jonneh did.
You know, demand an upgrade, throw the toys and go home.
You know, demand an upgrade, throw the toys and go home.
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
All the posts I've read on other socials from Wigan fans say they're deeply saddened to lose him and he's only gone from strength to strength in the last two seasons.
I choose to be excited.
I choose to be excited.
Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is just the train that's about to hit you.
Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Looks a good player in an area we need to vastly improve, our defence. Time will tell on his attack. Some Englishmen have adapted quickly to the speed of the NRL, EW for one in his early days. Mr. Posh has mentioned Smithies before. I look forward to his assessment.
I also hope he is not the last of the off season signings from England. We are prepared to pay transfer fees for Smithies so lets look at Jack Welsby who can play anywhere from 1 to 6.
I also hope he is not the last of the off season signings from England. We are prepared to pay transfer fees for Smithies so lets look at Jack Welsby who can play anywhere from 1 to 6.
Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Now that would be a good transfer. Welsby would be a massive win for the club....RedRaider wrote: ↑October 17, 2023, 1:22 pm Looks a good player in an area we need to vastly improve, our defence. Time will tell on his attack. Some Englishmen have adapted quickly to the speed of the NRL, EW for one in his early days. Mr. Posh has mentioned Smithies before. I look forward to his assessment.
I also hope he is not the last of the off season signings from England. We are prepared to pay transfer fees for Smithies so lets look at Jack Welsby who can play anywhere from 1 to 6.
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Just need to sign a Burns and we'll be set
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Any chance Ricky patches things up with Georgy williams in the process? Wishful thinking.. I know
Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Canberra Raiders keen on Englishman Morgan Smithies
The Raiders have their sights on Wigan lock Morgan Smithies after he tackled his way to the English Super League title. He's contracted to Wigan until the end of 2025 - meaning they'd have to pay a transfer fee if the Warriors were willing to let him go. Because he's on-contract, discussions haven't progressed to the point of talking about contract length.
Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239
The Raiders have their sights on Wigan lock Morgan Smithies after he tackled his way to the English Super League title. He's contracted to Wigan until the end of 2025 - meaning they'd have to pay a transfer fee if the Warriors were willing to let him go. Because he's on-contract, discussions haven't progressed to the point of talking about contract length.
Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
When u have 9 middles, incl rep guys in the starting spots and a bunch of young kids who are ready, and have been road blocked already, why add another middle??? Esp when there are only 3 edges on the roster, 1 of which has serious health concerns? This is the position of need, not middle.Timbo wrote: ↑October 17, 2023, 8:41 am Club: Loses tonnes of first grade experience, signs noone.
Fans on GH: Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, why haven't we signed anyone! We need some experience!
Club: Signs player with 100+ games of experience, Grand Final winner, English test player.
Fans on GH: Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, that's not the player I wanted.
**** hell you lot.
Getting experience and talent is important but u still have to build a balanced roster.
Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
That’s only if you believe prop and lock are the same thing.Matt wrote: ↑October 17, 2023, 5:58 pmWhen u have 9 middles, incl rep guys in the starting spots and a bunch of young kids who are ready, and have been road blocked already, why add another middle??? Esp when there are only 3 edges on the roster, 1 of which has serious health concerns? This is the position of need, not middle.Timbo wrote: ↑October 17, 2023, 8:41 am Club: Loses tonnes of first grade experience, signs noone.
Fans on GH: Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, why haven't we signed anyone! We need some experience!
Club: Signs player with 100+ games of experience, Grand Final winner, English test player.
Fans on GH: Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, that's not the player I wanted.
**** hell you lot.
Getting experience and talent is important but u still have to build a balanced roster.
well, I guess you could say that I'm buy curious.
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
A short evaluation from my mate in the UK who knows his stuff:
"Yeh he’s good. Plays in the middle and he’s a tough ****. Likes winding everyone up too.
Only downside, he’s a bit of a loose canon so in the soft modern game he gives a few penalties away etc"
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"Yeh he’s good. Plays in the middle and he’s a tough ****. Likes winding everyone up too.
Only downside, he’s a bit of a loose canon so in the soft modern game he gives a few penalties away etc"
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Between Horse, Puru and Mooney I don't need another lock. Ideally Whitey is in the mix there too, coz we have more edgesjulian87 wrote: ↑October 17, 2023, 6:05 pmThat’s only if you believe prop and lock are the same thing.Matt wrote: ↑October 17, 2023, 5:58 pmWhen u have 9 middles, incl rep guys in the starting spots and a bunch of young kids who are ready, and have been road blocked already, why add another middle??? Esp when there are only 3 edges on the roster, 1 of which has serious health concerns? This is the position of need, not middle.Timbo wrote: ↑October 17, 2023, 8:41 am Club: Loses tonnes of first grade experience, signs noone.
Fans on GH: Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, why haven't we signed anyone! We need some experience!
Club: Signs player with 100+ games of experience, Grand Final winner, English test player.
Fans on GH: Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, that's not the player I wanted.
**** hell you lot.
Getting experience and talent is important but u still have to build a balanced roster.
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Smiddy not selected for the England squad. I've not seen him play or heard of him until this signing announcement but I am OUTRAGED that he's been overlooked for selection.
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Another Raider snubbed for rep honours
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Not going to lie - was slightly outraged when I saw his name missing
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
If we are going to be subbing in young and inexperienced 6 and 1, then a tough and experienced forward pack will be important.
Mooney and Mariota are going to need big offseasons to get minutes in this pack. Which is a good thing.
Strong platform for young and talented players to do their thing.
If we announce another decent edge we can squeeze out of an NRL roster (cowboys/Roosters) I’ll feel much more confident
Mooney and Mariota are going to need big offseasons to get minutes in this pack. Which is a good thing.
Strong platform for young and talented players to do their thing.
If we announce another decent edge we can squeeze out of an NRL roster (cowboys/Roosters) I’ll feel much more confident
Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Canberra Raiders to pay six figure transfer fee Super League star Morgan Smithies
Canberra is expected to agree a six-figure transfer fee with Super League champions Wigan in coming days as the Raiders prepare to add emerging English star Morgan Smithies to their ranks for next season. The Raiders have been locked in talks with Smithies’ agent, Liam Ayoub, and Wigan officials for weeks.
The parties are close to reaching an agreement, which would pave the way for Smithies to move to the nation’s capital on a deal that could stretch to as many as three years.
Read more: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport ... 09b1601db2
Canberra is expected to agree a six-figure transfer fee with Super League champions Wigan in coming days as the Raiders prepare to add emerging English star Morgan Smithies to their ranks for next season. The Raiders have been locked in talks with Smithies’ agent, Liam Ayoub, and Wigan officials for weeks.
The parties are close to reaching an agreement, which would pave the way for Smithies to move to the nation’s capital on a deal that could stretch to as many as three years.
Read more: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport ... 09b1601db2
Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
I'm only basing it on others thoughts (re: tackling machine), but there's absolutely nothing wrong with us getting him considering how diabolical our defence was last season.
Shoving it in your face since 2017
Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
I was thinking Smiths chips, and being a stinking pom I'm not sure whether Salt n vinegar or Cheese and onion is the better option.
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
I'll set my expectations low and hope he exceeds them.
Thankfully the pommy forwards usually go OK. Seems like a tough dude. That certainly can't hurt.
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Thankfully the pommy forwards usually go OK. Seems like a tough dude. That certainly can't hurt.
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Glad we finally got a new signing that is not a reserve grader like the Newcastle guy and Weekes. He didn't make the England squad yet Bateman, Whitehead and Radley did, which is a concern. Let's hope he doesn't turn out to be a Harry Rushton or Jordan Turner
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Not bad to have an enforcer in the side of younger players are coming through.Dusty wrote: ↑October 17, 2023, 6:14 pm A short evaluation from my mate in the UK who knows his stuff:
"Yeh he’s good. Plays in the middle and he’s a tough ****. Likes winding everyone up too.
Only downside, he’s a bit of a loose canon so in the soft modern game he gives a few penalties away etc"
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Will be great when we get stupid sexy Sandersafgtnk wrote:Smithers
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
Harry Rushton is still only 21 and a good up and coming player. No comparison with Jordan Turner.Hong Kong Raider wrote: ↑October 18, 2023, 4:23 am Glad we finally got a new signing that is not a reserve grader like the Newcastle guy and Weekes. He didn't make the England squad yet Bateman, Whitehead and Radley did, which is a concern. Let's hope he doesn't turn out to be a Harry Rushton or Jordan Turner
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
No transfer fee too. So we get him for "nothing at all."Fuifui Bradbrad wrote: ↑October 18, 2023, 6:23 amWill be great when we get stupid sexy Sandersafgtnk wrote:Smithers
Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
We seem to have problems in closing out the deal….
Sanders -> to be confirmed
Weekes -> to be confirmed
Smithies -> to be confirmed
We only have Sasagi confirmed.
Happy to be corrected.
Sanders -> to be confirmed
Weekes -> to be confirmed
Smithies -> to be confirmed
We only have Sasagi confirmed.
Happy to be corrected.
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Re: Raiders set to sign Morgan Smithies from 2024
VERY harsh on Rushton. He was having a very similar yr to the 1 Puru just had, or the past 2 yrs Mooney had, the yr Harry debuted. It was very much a coaching thing that stopped him from making an impact.... that and a broken jaw co-insiding with Covid.Hong Kong Raider wrote: ↑October 18, 2023, 4:23 am Glad we finally got a new signing that is not a reserve grader like the Newcastle guy and Weekes. He didn't make the England squad yet Bateman, Whitehead and Radley did, which is a concern. Let's hope he doesn't turn out to be a Harry Rushton or Jordan Turner