McNamaras passing looked poor against Sheffield, just don't see what he offers currently, slow and doesn't create much with passing and kicking. For all Lovoduas faults he can create things as we saw a fee times last year.

My twopenneth on who should partner Clifford in place of Trueman until he's fit, I'd leave Hoy at FB as primarily that's his position and being new to the team, competition and country it would be better for him to focus/concentrate on the fullback role. McNamara whilst he is maybe not the most dynamic of players I think he would be the best fit and in fairness to him before his injury last season he was the better than either Gale or Reynolds and linked up play well with Jake. He is pretty strong defensively which would allow Clifford to roam and both can link up play with Hoy. I think under Smith's coaching also he may be able to be a little more adventurous. Lovodua is an odd one for me, I like him but just not sure where he really fits in, I didn't think he offered anything more than McNamara when he deputised in the role last season himself. Would prefer to see Lovodua played at 9 and given a run in that position. Yes we have Shaul to FB as an option but I don't feel that is an option that is currently needed.

Don't agree Chris, Wigan away, Lovodua was a constant threat and made two trys, also the magic game, I don't think I've ever seen that type of performance (or even a hint of it) from McNamara.

Dave, don't get me wrong I wouldn't be adverse to either Lovodua or McNamara starting in the halves alongside Clifford but for me Hoy needs to focus on FB.
Like I say I like Lovodua, I'd just prefer him at 9 with Dwyer but he needs to be given a run rather than moved all over like he was last season. Last season was a horror show under BH and the 6 & 7 was never a settled combo with Reynolds being cut, Gale missing due to suspensions then McNamara getting injured but I didn't think McNamara did too bad when he did play, he's not as dynamic as Lovodua granted but do think that lends itself to enable Clifford to roam about.
ATEOTD Smith knows what he is doing so in him we trust and the decisions.

I agree we have to support what our new coach sees as our best starting line up.
Still think Jamie Shaul will be in our 17 against Cas,probably on the bench.
That would give him the opportunity of moving Hoy to 6 if necessary if things are not working with McNamara/Lovodua

I think you misconstrued what I said about “round pegs in square holes”. My point was and still is, Hoy is our fullback, that’s where he should play. Lovodua is our hooker along with Dwyer, they should stay there. McNamara should be at halfback. Too many times under the last 2 coaches, especially under Hodgson, we’d make 4 positional changes to accommodate one player, no wonder there was no cohesion and vexed off players. I trust Smith to stick to his team selection unless we get another catastrophic injury crisis.

Didn't Hoy want to leave Newcastle because he wasn't getting games at fullback? Probably best not to move him away from fullback if that's the case

See we've signed Josh Hodgsons cousin, Jeylan Hodgson.

All I know is he plays hooker, pretty strong in that department in the youth with him and Balmforth, has to be Houghtons last year.

Lovodua needs a big season to justify his quota spot too.

I agree that Shaul could potentially be on the bench but would hope there is no need to and that's nothing to do with Shaul as a player just I'd like to think that the plan is to play Hoy and allow him to focus on the FB role. The same with whoever comes in to play alongside Clifford whether it's Lovodua or McNamara.
We do at least have some options for Smith to ponder over heading in to the season and this is where having a Head Coach with proven track record and experience helps.