What happens to Billy Smith?

[The Axe]

Don’t wish to be seen to be bagging the kid. How long does he have on contract? This may influence the decision.

long term injured. Third such injury. Not his best season.

if keary retires (hope not) then Manu a likely 5/8. We need centres or wingers.

what would you do with Smith and who would you look to?

[Jacks Fur Coat]

I know what you would do.....'Axe' him!

[RoosterBooster]

I see Robert Toia as the long term centre solution but probably next year comes to soon ?

[Thirteen]

The Axe.

[Rooster1908]

I know what you would do.....'Axe' him!

I suspect he would give him the chop

[Eggspert]

Poor guy, must be really depressing to have 3 ACL's, 1 shoulder recon + more ankle/leg injuries in a short amount of time. The club will look after him once again physically & mentally.

But he is taking up a spot in our top squad & not giving us anything back unfortunately. I've asked before how many consecutive games he's actually played in 1st grade or reserves for us? It wouldn't be many surley. He's being paid for his services & unfortunately just can't deliver.

If you buy a car & it keeps breaking down & giving you issues you decide its a lemon & get rid of it.
Hate to be harsh but Billy needs a new sport to play.

[Thirteen]

Billy should play chess or bridge. It would be safer for him.

[dice]

[Eggspert]

Billy should play chess or bridge. It would be safer for him.

Not so sure. Saw a movie long time ago called "Revenge of the Nerds" where the Nerd was playing chess & fell of his chair breaking his arm...lol

[rented tracksuit]

Not so sure. Saw a movie long time ago called "Revenge of the Nerds" where the Nerd was playing chess & fell of his chair breaking his arm...lol

Careful. Don’t highlight good old fashioned humorous classic movies. There are some around here with no sense of humour who like to ‘cancel’ anything us dinosaurs found funny when we were growing up.

I think Billy’s time has come. If we truely care about the lad, we would be sitting down with him and explaining that for his best interests long term, footy might not be the best thing for him.

Real shame though as I can see a wealth of talent in him however talent is wasted if it can’t be utilised.

[Rooster_6]

Off contract at the end of 2023.

What next is we support him through whatever he needs because that’s the right thing to do as a club. Nothing else should be up for discussion.

Very clear based on this year that we need upgrades on Keighran and Naiqama as depth options though as neither seem to be genuine options for Robisnon anymore.

[rented tracksuit]

Off contract at the end of 2023.

What next is we support him through whatever he needs because that’s the right thing to do as a club. Nothing else should be up for discussion.

Very clear based on this year that we need upgrades on Keighran and Naiqama as depth options though as neither seem to be genuine options for Robisnon anymore.

Agreed.

Billy’s mental and physical fitness need to be forefront however these discussions are inevitable and during this recovery period could be the right time to address it.

[Eggspert]

Off contract at the end of 2023.

What next is we support him through whatever he needs because that’s the right thing to do as a club. Nothing else should be up for discussion.

Very clear based on this year that we need upgrades on Keighran and Naiqama as depth options though as neither seem to be genuine options for Robisnon anymore.

After Latrell & the Morris bro's left Billy was the next in line with big wraps but we just can't rely on him anymore.

He showed what he can do in that game a few weeks back but once again was lost to long term injuries which are a theme with him.

Unfortunately a flow on effect is Momo will now see out the year in 1st grade which I reckon won't end well. I hold my breath when play comes his way.

[DP1990]

Billy Smith indirectly has given Paul Momirovski a lifeline for this season because now Robbo doesn't really have any other choice but to use Manu and Momirovski in the centres if Keary will return in the halves.


If for some reason Manu is the 5/8 moving forward then I would leave Paul Momirovski on the right centre because he didn't look that bad against the Dragons and possibly find someone to slot in at left centre.


I don't think Adam Keighran will get called in so perhaps Tom Carr ? I can't see Kevin Naiqama getting called in.


Can we put Hutchinson in at left centre ? He has to be in the 17 in some way so why not use him as a centre until we find some solutions for next season.


As everyone has said, I hope Billy Smith recovers well !

[King Salvo]

From my understanding Billy Smith will undergo surgery then participate in an appropriate 6 phase rehabilitation protocol program for an unrestricted return to sport.

One would assume he would also undertake a prevention program to reduce the risk of ACL and other knee injuries - i.e one that focus on strength, mobility, balance, neuromuscular control, plyometrics and refining your landing, pivoting and general training techniques.

It would be interesting to see the stats on ACL injuries over say the past 20 years and why as per below these are increasing

Of all the countries in the world, Australia has the highest reported rate of both anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and surgical ACL reconstruction following their injury.

The rate of ACL injuries in those aged under 25 years has risen by 70% over the past 15 years – with a “worrying” amount of ACL surgery in those over 15 years old, the greatest risk being to men aged 20-24 years and women aged 15-19 years.

https://www.allsportsphysio.com.au/2...-in-australia/