Sean Edward’s decision to rule himself out of the running to be the next GB coach was as disappointing as it was expected.
His apparent endorsement of Leeds Coach Tony Smith is a more worrying development though.
A serviceable Super League level coach, Smith has been a perennial under-achiever with a talented Leeds squad that ought to have dominated the competition.
My most enduring memory of Smith is of his emotional press conference following the final game of the 2001 Super League season. It was another loss for the Huddersfield Giants and ensured their relegation to the (then) NFP.
Smith understandably was at a loss to comprehend how Super League could cast asunder a team with the tradition and resources (read ’stadium’) of the Giants. It was a touching and candid moment.
But much as I’d like to think he could I just can’t believe Smith to be the man to fire-up and manage Great Britain to Ashes triumph. It just doesn’t sit.
Kind of like imagining Arsene Wenger leading England’s soccer team … the pieces just wouldn’t fit …
With Edwards out of it the RFL is looking at an empty Larder right now … with another nice guy, Shaun McRae, seeming the only viable candidate despite the huge question mark raised by his inability to succeed on his return to the NRL.
If Richard Lewis has any surprises up his cuff now would be a really great time to plonk ‘em on the table.
Let’s just hope Schoey ain’t one of ‘em.
ibridge
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