Before we got Tony Smith in I thought the same as you, but with hindsight what happened makes sense. The board wanted Tony Smith, but the RFL wouldn't let Smith split duties between club and country before the World Cup as it was their big priority. So they decided that holding fire and getting Smith in this season was better than going for a lesser calibre coach straight away. They couldn't reveal this in public of course so had to give 'full backing' to James Lowes.

Now the board have got a top coach in so its a good result.

The criticism I have at the board is that they renewed Cullen's contract giving him another chance, past the time it was obvious he wasn't going to achieve any more than he already had. Same with some of the players who got contract renewals for mediocre performances.

On James Lowes, bringing him in was seen as a good move by most of our fans, remember when everyone said Cullen was a good coach but needed some help, instead of having the likes of Derbyshire and Chambers who had never won anything as players, we needed someone with experience of winning trophies like Forshaw or Lowes on the coaching staff.

In light of the recent departures I think it should be questioned how much control Cullen actually had, how much the board would let him achieve. If he caused a rift by demanding that these players be dealt with, the board refused as they are 'names' and the players responded by refusing to perform, how much silverware is he going to win under that situation?



Rugbychick

Monas & King allowed to talk to other clubs ? Since when ?

Probably since both made it clear they want away from Wire ASAP....

Smith made it clear through his Gleeson departure statement, that wantaways will not have their paths blocked.

Expect the pair to see out the season, but be prepared for announcements regarding a return to OZ for them both in the near future.

Why should Ts bring in hard working players when i bet you if he dropped some of the big names King Monas Etc Etc and played some of the young guys whom will give you that extra mile it might just be the wake up call for some of the old heads

With the no relegation than blood the youngster for next season then bring in a couple of players who have played super league before

i would be happy watching a team of youngsters who give it blood sweat and tears for the clause than a bunch of money grabbin slackers who only care about th £££££££££££££££

Like I said on the initial post.

Put Murphy in charge and the Aussie tourists of 82 in a Wire shirt and we'd be no better off.