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I don't know if people realize how much he has actually done for this club.
The positional changes
Mitchell Aubusson - in 2009, he was nothing more than an adequate defensive centre, in 2010 he became an outstanding well-rounded backrower
FP Nuuausala - in 2009, he was a 25 minute prop with a poorly timed offload and no mobility, in 2010 he became an explosive Tupou-style fringe runner
Braith Anasta - in 2009, he was a gutsy but maligned five-eighth, in 2010 he became a leader from the lock position who can roam the left fringe
Shaun Kenny-Dowall - in 2009, he was a brain explosion on legs, in 2010 he became one of the games premier try scorers and strike centres
I would also like to give him loads of credit for starting with Carney at fullback and Mini on the wing. This gave them the necessary time to become accustomed to their roles, so that when they shifted to their preferred position, they flourished.
Alcohol rehabilitation
He got Myles, Carney, and eventually Friend off the booze. Once these guys were sober, he gave them extended opportunity and lots of responsibility in the team, and they all produced career-best footy.
Bargain signings
Daniel Conn, Phil Graham and Jason Ryles were all rejects from previous clubs. They were unwanted, and didn't fit into the young and bristling movements towards the future. They all played the majority of the season for is, they all provided experience and stability in what can be considered an inconsistent line-up, and I very much hope they stay with the team. Watts and J. Carney will continue this trend next year.
Youth policy
He identified Anthony Cherrington (in pre-season), Mose Masoe, Martin Kennedy, Joseph Leilua and Kane Linnett as definite first grade prospects in the long term. Because of these, the moment they got a shot, he stuck with them and gave them extended runs in the first grade team. Every single one of them impressed me a lot, and can only get better for the season. It astounds me how Smith just seems to have that ability to 'pick them'. Watch for Tasi and more youngsters to kick on next year.
On the flipside, he also identified regular first-graders Ben Jones, Aiden Guerra, James Aubusson and Lopini Paea (by Round 10) as weak links and bit the bullet and dropped them from first grade. He also tried out Baitieri, Takairangi and Fepuleai in this time, noted that they didn't really take to first grade as he had hoped, and discarded them to the scrap heap too. And lastly, although it took ALL season, he finally decided Kouparitsas was not worth the bench spot, and cast him aside too.
I would very much doubt any of these players will be in the Roosters colors beyond 2010, let alone next season. This is what a coach does - he makes the hard calls, knows when a player is first-grade standard, and drops then when they clearly don't have 'it'.
Conclusion
He has done so much for the club this year, aside from the obvious like getting rid of the alcohol culture and maintaining discipline within the club. Hopefully this new Roosters culture carries us into a new era of dominance.
GO THE ROOSTERS!
The positional changes
Mitchell Aubusson - in 2009, he was nothing more than an adequate defensive centre, in 2010 he became an outstanding well-rounded backrower
FP Nuuausala - in 2009, he was a 25 minute prop with a poorly timed offload and no mobility, in 2010 he became an explosive Tupou-style fringe runner
Braith Anasta - in 2009, he was a gutsy but maligned five-eighth, in 2010 he became a leader from the lock position who can roam the left fringe
Shaun Kenny-Dowall - in 2009, he was a brain explosion on legs, in 2010 he became one of the games premier try scorers and strike centres
I would also like to give him loads of credit for starting with Carney at fullback and Mini on the wing. This gave them the necessary time to become accustomed to their roles, so that when they shifted to their preferred position, they flourished.
Alcohol rehabilitation
He got Myles, Carney, and eventually Friend off the booze. Once these guys were sober, he gave them extended opportunity and lots of responsibility in the team, and they all produced career-best footy.
Bargain signings
Daniel Conn, Phil Graham and Jason Ryles were all rejects from previous clubs. They were unwanted, and didn't fit into the young and bristling movements towards the future. They all played the majority of the season for is, they all provided experience and stability in what can be considered an inconsistent line-up, and I very much hope they stay with the team. Watts and J. Carney will continue this trend next year.
Youth policy
He identified Anthony Cherrington (in pre-season), Mose Masoe, Martin Kennedy, Joseph Leilua and Kane Linnett as definite first grade prospects in the long term. Because of these, the moment they got a shot, he stuck with them and gave them extended runs in the first grade team. Every single one of them impressed me a lot, and can only get better for the season. It astounds me how Smith just seems to have that ability to 'pick them'. Watch for Tasi and more youngsters to kick on next year.
On the flipside, he also identified regular first-graders Ben Jones, Aiden Guerra, James Aubusson and Lopini Paea (by Round 10) as weak links and bit the bullet and dropped them from first grade. He also tried out Baitieri, Takairangi and Fepuleai in this time, noted that they didn't really take to first grade as he had hoped, and discarded them to the scrap heap too. And lastly, although it took ALL season, he finally decided Kouparitsas was not worth the bench spot, and cast him aside too.
I would very much doubt any of these players will be in the Roosters colors beyond 2010, let alone next season. This is what a coach does - he makes the hard calls, knows when a player is first-grade standard, and drops then when they clearly don't have 'it'.
Conclusion
He has done so much for the club this year, aside from the obvious like getting rid of the alcohol culture and maintaining discipline within the club. Hopefully this new Roosters culture carries us into a new era of dominance.
GO THE ROOSTERS!
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