Smith the X-factor - Lockyer suggest a Roving role.

[Charmamba]

Of almost as much interest will be the performance of former Parramatta halfback Tim Smith, who has been outstanding filling the key playmaker's position for the past fortnight.

Lockyer said Smith's re-emergence this pre-season provided the side with some unique and exciting opportunities, suggesting Henjak could utilise all three halves on the field at the same time.

"He has had a good couple of weeks," Lockyer said of Smith.

"He can offer us a bit of X-factor in that he can lay on a try at any time because he has some wonderful skills.

"I could see him in a roving role where he has licence to just go out and play what is in front of him. He is a really smart ball player, so there is definitely some value there."

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 14,00.html

yes the article is about Sheens telling Locky to take his time. But some good words from locky and maybe a look into what may happen.

 

[Coxy]

Yep, seems Locky likes the idea of Smith being on the bench.

I know people get up in arms about how in the modern game you need 4 forwards on the bench (or at least one forward who is capable of playing in the centres etc). But let's look at it another way. If the Broncos can find 2 80-minute back rowers (Parker and...Thaiday maybe?), then having 4 forwards to rotate between the other back rower and 2 props doesn't make much sense.

On the other hand, Locky is a guy who we probably do need to cotton wool a bit...I don't see much harm in letting him come off for a spell and give Tim Smith a shot (or Ben Hunt if they pick him for that role).

 

[Charmamba]

Something is wrong because today im agreeing with you to much.

Parker can already play 80. And Thaiday can when needed.

Gillet plays in the backline sometimes so im sure he can go for 80 as well. wait and see on that one.

 

[Coxy]

Something is wrong because today im agreeing with you to much.

Parker can already play 80. And Thaiday can when needed.

Gillet plays in the backline sometimes so im sure he can go for 80 as well. wait and see on that one.

Thaiday and Te'o are both capable of a good 70 minutes, Parker 80. Bring Setu on for 30+ minutes a game and you can alternate between Thaiday and Te'o playing 70/60 minutes each. Plus if you play Glenn in the centres he's capable of shifting to the back row if needed.

Gillett and Anderson on the bench to rotate with Sims and Kenny up front.

Leaves you a bench spot. Decide based on the team you're playing you either go with X factor Smith, or you put in a 4th forward.

 

[Charmamba]

now if Norman is the play maker his said to be from the trials ect. How dangerous could Brisbane be with Locky/Wallace/Smith/Norman.

Some will say to many cooks ect ect but Locky will fall back and chime in when he feels like it. Smith and Wallace will control the general play and Norman will come in for the 2nd man plays ect. Pure Sex imo

 

[lyn]

Something is wrong because today im agreeing with you to much.

Parker can already play 80. And Thaiday can when needed.

Gillet plays in the backline sometimes so im sure he can go for 80 as well. wait and see on that one.

Thaiday and Te'o are both capable of a good 70 minutes, Parker 80. Bring Setu on for 30+ minutes a game and you can alternate between Thaiday and Te'o playing 70/60 minutes each. Plus if you play Glenn in the centres he's capable of shifting to the back row if needed.

Gillett and Anderson on the bench to rotate with Sims and Kenny up front.

Leaves you a bench spot. Decide based on the team you're playing you either go with X factor Smith, or you put in a 4th forward.

Oh god, the thought of Gillett playing in the front row. [icon_confu

Gillett is a back rower who can cover 5/8 and centre if neeced. I would say he is similar to Glenn in the sense that he is small, fast and has good footwork but can also play in the back row (which is his best position). He has better ball skills than Glenn though. With Glenn most likely playing in the centres while Hodges is out I can see Gillett being our 'Alex Glenn' of 2009 off the bench this year.

 

[Coxy]

As discussed in the other predictions thread, my bad on Gillett...substitute him for McGuire or Dodds.

Gillett can fight it out with Setu for the bench backrow spot.

 

[lyn]

As discussed in the other predictions thread, my bad on Gillett...substitute him for McGuire or Dodds.

Gillett can fight it out with Setu for the bench backrow spot.

Fair enough. I saw it just after I posted that.

I agree with what you said. Except McGuire is waaay ahead of Dodds.

 

[BroncoMatt]

With what Lockyer said in that article it is interesting to note that for a decent chunk of the 2nd half Of last Saturdays trial, the Broncos seemed to be testing the "roving playmaker"

Izzy moved to fullback and Norman moved to what seemed to be 5/8. However Smith and Hunt both stayed on the field in halves roles. I was confused at the time but it makes some sense now! It seemed to work well too, with The Broncs looking their most dangerous during that period

 

[Jeba]

Yes and McCullough was one fire during that period as well. Like Matt said it was confusing but damn effective. May have a lot of teams guessing against us this year.

 

[gUt]

The danger with this sort of ploy, apart from injuries to 2 forwards, is that once teams work out what you're doing it's easily countered. I think accurate kicks and passes are far more dangerous in attack over the long term than introducing something like a new position (so to speak).

I will go on record and say I am not overly excited about Smith's arrival at Brisbane. All I remember about him are passes behind his runners and kicks out on the full/over the dead ball line. Maybe he's relaxed a bit and will contribute but I don't remember him ever winning Parra a match the way Locky has done countless times for Bris/Qld/Aus.

 

[Coxy]

I'm hoping that if he's not under pressure to produce something on every set then he won't have the brain explosions he did at Parramatta.

That said, I stick by my preference for Ben Hunt to be our first choice backup half.

 

[Bucking Beads]

What's Tim Smiths defence like??? He is not a tiny halfback so maybe he can come on and play a Fitler type roll at lock???

 

[Coxy]

He's only 2kg and 2cm bigger than Locky...would you consider Locky to play a Fittler type lock role? Eeek! LOL

 

[Bucking Beads]

He's only 2kg and 2cm bigger than Locky...would you consider Locky to play a Fittler type lock role? Eeek! LOL

I thought he was bigger than that.. No I can't see him playing off the bench working for us TBH! I'd prefer Glenn off the bench at this stage.

 

[Coxy]

Alex Glenn will almost certainly be playing in the centres for now.

I'm guessing, in answer to gUt's question, if there's injuries in the forwards then Glenn would shift to back row, and Smith/Hunt could come on and play centre or something.

 

[Bucking Beads]

Alex Glenn will almost certainly be playing in the centres for now.

I'm guessing, in answer to gUt's question, if there's injuries in the forwards then Glenn would shift to back row, and Smith/Hunt could come on and play centre or something.

Yeah I am sure Smith or Hunt will enjoy trying to play up against Inglis or Jennings could be fun haha

 

[Coxy]

Alex Glenn will almost certainly be playing in the centres for now.

I'm guessing, in answer to gUt's question, if there's injuries in the forwards then Glenn would shift to back row, and Smith/Hunt could come on and play centre or something.

Yeah I am sure Smith or Hunt will enjoy trying to play up against Inglis or Jennings could be fun haha

Well I'm thinking they'd keep Glenn in the centres in defence but do the hit ups in attack.

Anyway, it's all speculation. At least it's interesting speculation, unlike "which useless prop is coming on the market that we should buy just for the sake of buying someone?".