Smith was waaaaaay down the list of poor performers last year.

In a team sport any speccies views can only ever be subjective. I stood behind the sticks last season and Smith drove me mad at times, his poor decision making near the line in attack more than anything. I’m not gonna assassinate the guy by throwing other perceived failings into the mix, he’s a trier and that’s to be lauded. Having said that, it seems that certain players get the plaudits for “effort” when lads like Handley for example seem to get overlooked for doing a lot of hard carries out of defence when our forwards go AWOL. I often wonder who fans are pointing the finger at when lack of effort is cited ( not you by the way).

I really don't understand the Cam Smith bashing when he was comfortably our best and most consistent player last year.
Strange.

Smith was doing the job of 13 plus that of 2 half backs at times last year while running his blood to water, ill forgive him the dips in form/decision making he had at times because there was very obvious mitigation. Next year I'm sure you'll see the player he really is (even though he was still one of our best for large chunks of a trying season).

Well, while he was one of our best players last season, there's still plenty of room for improvement. There are reasons he's not yet first choice for England, for example. But I would disagree with those who see him as a problem - as has been pointed out, it is only when other players are not doing their jobs properly that he ends up stifling our attack. If he's getting through so much defensive work it's a big ask for him to be organising our attacking plays as well. I'd like to see him playing a bit more direct, and choosing more carefully when to play the old fashioned ball-handling 13, rather than trying to be one of the halves.

I agree. It was a very low bar last year.
With a stronger 6, 7 & 9, I'm sure we'll see Cam focus on his role as a 13.

Who's bashing? Only players on here to get that treatment is Olpherts and Hooley unreservedly, I thought Cam was good for the most part and I'm glad a Leeds product is captain even though the coach had to be told to have one......

Think he’ll go well. Good hands and seems level head. Can look very slow at times, but maybe that’s because of lack of options around him…….

With a better side around him Cam will be good at filling gaps in offence and defence, rather than controlling the side (where he is too slow).

Not sure if he’ll make the national team but he’s turned out to be a very consistent high performer for club.

As has been said he has some skills, overplayed last year but grafted very hard , in my view was doing too much and work should be shared around better this year.

My concern re captaincy is alongside Rohan and the assistant coaches we seem a bit too laid back. My perception which could well be wrong is that we lack a bit of bite/intensity.

I’m probably a bit out of touch but would also like to see the captain free of a mullet.

Anyway, Hope he gets to lift some non fish and chip based silverware this season