A very interesting statistic.

[bondi-boy]

I don't think Smiffy was brought in to win a comp, he's a rebuilder. That's why 2010 was a mindraper, we overdid it and crashed last year. It did more harm than good to get to that grand final.

Never does any harm to play in a Grand Final.

Given different refereeing we might have just won it.

[Vasco]

I think the debate over whether the players "like" him or not is an interesting one.

Many that claim to be in the know will tell you that the players don't want to play for him.

Then on the other side, you have those that claim to know what is happening - the optimists. They will tell you that the players love him and that it's all a myth.

When you look at his overall record it is interesting. He has led teams to grand finals, which on paper were not expected to get that far, only to be beaten in the final hurdle each time.

To coach the St George teams of 1992/93 to consecutive grand finals was a great achievement. Smith was unlucky that he was up against a hot Broncos side each time. Let's face it, this Broncos team would be hard to beat in any era.

Smith was able to get players like Jeff Hardy, Graeme Bradley, Tony Priddle, Neil Tierney, Peter Coyne, Chris Quinn, Noel Goldthorpe etc to consecutive grand finals.

Smith then did a similar job at Parramatta. They were by far and away the best team in 2001, however were beaten on the day by a team led by one of the greatest players of all time.

At Newcastle he was at a hiding to nothing. The club had a bogan culture led by current stars and ex players. Many did not like the fact that he wanted to change this and moved behind the scenes to oust him. He found himself up against the "boys club" and eventually jumped when Uncle Nick knocked on his door.

His time at the Roosters follows a similar pattern to his time at other clubs. Early success.

In his first season he was lucky to have a class player hell bent on proving people wrong. He had rarely, if ever, worked with a player of this calibre. Meanwhile other players that were much maligned beforehand (FPN, SKD, Mini etc) played out of their skins.

Was it the coach or his coaching?

The following season his star player went off the rails before the season started. A season long media frenzy followed and he was eventually sacked. Ironically, this star player then joined the club of which one of the major media players, Phil Rothfield, supports.

Smith has finally got rid of the poisonous players, albeit with some resistance from those above.

He is no longer here to "rebuild". He has plenty of talent at his disposal although these young players may need more time.

Is this why he was given a four year contract? Did the club actually foresee this happening?

A less than "successful" season will mount pressure on Smith. Will those above show patience?

Whether Smith has the support of the players will be answered in 2012.

A poor season will have those saying "the players won't play for him"

A good season will have the others saying "I told you the players like Smith...".

Which one will it be in 2012?

[The Rooster Oracle]

Good post Vasco! Quite a few on here have said how Smith was hired to do a job of rebuilding our club. Imo his job is done, once we have Maloney, SBW and a really good fullback for 2013 we are set. All that would then be required is a coach capable of taking us to that next level. Smith has overseen the rebuilding phase, now the only piece missing is we need a proven premiership winning coach which is Craig Bellamy. With Bellamy at the helm in 2013 we would be the most powerful force in the NRL, everyone would fear us!! Bellamy will win us premiership titles, Smith imo is unfortunately destined to never win an NRL premiership.

[Kingbilly]

Very good Vasco.
I have spoken to players that have played for him and some love him and respond well while others just don't cope with him.
Saying that I have also heard that he has changed and no where near as intense any more.
Who knows, I think now the crap has gone this will be a very telling year.

Bob, I wondered why you hadn't been around and as strange as it may seem I am glad to see you back.

[Guest]

I'm not really bagging him.. I like him.. I just saw this stat and thought it was really interesting and that i should share it with you guys.

I found it interesting, thanks. I dont dislike Brian Smith either I just dont think we will win a comp whilst he is the coach.
I dont think we will win a comp with j friend as hooker either.

[Guest]

I found it interesting, thanks. I dont dislike Brian Smith either I just dont think we will win a comp whilst he is the coach.
I dont think we will win a comp with j friend as hooker either.

Hmm.. Not sure about that mate. Friend is really stepping up and we saw that in the last 4 or 5 rounds of this years season. But I know why'd you'd say that. He just needs to keep consistent and perform well all the time not just on few occasions.

[Kingbilly]

I found it interesting, thanks. I dont dislike Brian Smith either I just dont think we will win a comp whilst he is the coach.
I dont think we will win a comp with j friend as hooker either.

Maybe not win with the way Friend has played, but he is improving the areas that he needs to and when they hit the mark, he will be unstoppable

[Guest]

I found it interesting, thanks. I dont dislike Brian Smith either I just dont think we will win a comp whilst he is the coach.
I dont think we will win a comp with j friend as hooker either.

Gee Patch, those at the club who voted him 2011 Player of the Year must be terrible judges

[Guest]

Gee Patch, those at the club who voted him 2011 Player of the Year must be terrible judges

I didn't say he wasn't a good player I just dont believe he suits an attacking team I dont think he has the vision from dummy half, granted he is still pretty young so he has time. I just feel he is more suited to a club like Cronulla or the Dogs.

[Guest]

We won a comp with Simon Bonetti as a hooker but that was because we had Freddy and Wing in the halves. Along with the meanest forward pack around at the time.

[Guest]

He came from coaching South's under 23's to the Steelers. I remember him sitting near me on the hill
in a South's jacket, with his small boys , as he took stock of the team and the fans.
He had also coached Newtown kids.
I think he has been unfortunate to be runner up to Bennett. A bit like Terry Lamb
always taking a back seat while Wally was playing.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

I didn't say he wasn't a good player I just dont believe he suits an attacking team I dont think he has the vision from dummy half, granted he is still pretty young so he has time. I just feel he is more suited to a club like Cronulla or the Dogs.

Patch you never made an ounce of sense on The Wall...and it looks like the trend will continue here!

BUt welcome anyway lol...we are all lost souls now!

BTW, Jake Friend is a little champion who belongs at Easts and nowhere else.

[Guest]

Patch you never made an ounce of sense on The Wall...and it looks like the trend will continue here!

BUt welcome anyway lol...we are all lost souls now!

BTW, Jake Friend is a little champion who belongs at Easts and nowhere else.

No I made kilos of sense, what are you on about?
Thanks for the welcome.

I cant wait to read your spot on always right posts, should be good.

[Guest]

Same with Matt Elliott. Well we're farked now!!!

Matthew Elliot has never won a finals game as coach. Smith has never won a premiership, perfect match.