I know this off topic but it is my pet bug bear and just keeps getting regurgitated by all and sundry.The goose Warren Ryan was once again at it only a week or so ago by imparted his wisdom suggesting Melbourne would have won(turning around a 40 point deficit) in 2008 if Smith was not suspended,that is how valuable he is.
This is a history lesson for those fools have a similar view.
Week 1 Elimination Final in Melbourne-Warriors win 18-15 with Michael Witt scoring winning try.8th beats 1st with Smith playing 80 minutes.The most notable thing about this game was the men in pink finally penalised the scum for the wrestle repeatedly after complaints on field from price.Pity they stopped doing it for the next 4 years.
Week 2 Elimination Final - Brisbane totally dominate Melbourne yet somehow contrive to lose 18-16 with Ashton Sims dropping the ball with 20 seconds remaining and GI who was not seen all game at 5/8 scoring the winning try while standing on the wing.I was at this game and I genuinely believe that was the moment I knew we would the comp.Melbourne were ordinary and lucky.Smith played the full 80 minutes and screwed Thaidays head off.
Week 3 Preliminary Final - Melbourne thrash a typically hopeless Kimmorely led Sharks outfit 28-0 with Russell Aitken assuming the rake duties and Smith not playing this time due to a 2 week suspension.
While this is going on Manly smash the Goons 38-6 and the Warriors(who had put 30 on the 4th placed Roosters the week before) 32- 6 for a total of 70 points to 12.
From these facts the geniuses suggest that Smith, who had previously played in a home semi final loss and an incredibly lucky win,then not played in a 28 nil victory,would have made the difference to a 40 nil score against a team that eventually had a semi final score sheet of 110 to 12.Makes perfect sense doesn't it!
I am not suggesting Smith is not a great player but dont let the facts get in the way of a good story Warren.
This is a history lesson for those fools have a similar view.
Week 1 Elimination Final in Melbourne-Warriors win 18-15 with Michael Witt scoring winning try.8th beats 1st with Smith playing 80 minutes.The most notable thing about this game was the men in pink finally penalised the scum for the wrestle repeatedly after complaints on field from price.Pity they stopped doing it for the next 4 years.
Week 2 Elimination Final - Brisbane totally dominate Melbourne yet somehow contrive to lose 18-16 with Ashton Sims dropping the ball with 20 seconds remaining and GI who was not seen all game at 5/8 scoring the winning try while standing on the wing.I was at this game and I genuinely believe that was the moment I knew we would the comp.Melbourne were ordinary and lucky.Smith played the full 80 minutes and screwed Thaidays head off.
Week 3 Preliminary Final - Melbourne thrash a typically hopeless Kimmorely led Sharks outfit 28-0 with Russell Aitken assuming the rake duties and Smith not playing this time due to a 2 week suspension.
While this is going on Manly smash the Goons 38-6 and the Warriors(who had put 30 on the 4th placed Roosters the week before) 32- 6 for a total of 70 points to 12.
From these facts the geniuses suggest that Smith, who had previously played in a home semi final loss and an incredibly lucky win,then not played in a 28 nil victory,would have made the difference to a 40 nil score against a team that eventually had a semi final score sheet of 110 to 12.Makes perfect sense doesn't it!
I am not suggesting Smith is not a great player but dont let the facts get in the way of a good story Warren.