I completely agree with that - Smith's was a classic case of a coach losing the respect of the players. It was only when it was announced he was leaving that form picked up and the dynamic changed.



What has he won since he left - even Lee Radford won two CC's

He won 3 challenge cups with Warrington didn’t he?

And a league leaders shield. That 2012 Warrington was superb. He won a series with GB too.

Winning the CC doesn't really compare to a GF success in my view. Smith had top sides at Warrington but could never get them across the line in GF's



The game in the 2011 play offs against Warrington was one of the finest games of the SL era - great attacking from both sides. along with the 2007 semi final at Saints the toughest game I have ever seen in the SL era.

I agree Jack,That Wolves side in 2012 were an amazing side.



It's a toss up for me which is the best side that has ever lost a GF:

Bulls (2004) Rhinos (2005) & Wolves (2012) as they were all outstanding sides.



The Saints (2007) side was a great side, But IMO that brutal semi final win against the Rhinos in the qualifying semi final at Knowsley Road came at a huge cost to them as they were clearly spooked and were not up for another brutal encounter at Old Trafford.

That was the best SL game ever too IMO

Wouldn't argue with that. Im trying to recall other examples of a team getting beat but gaining total belief in itself. I've not seen many.

2004 playoff game vs Bradford

Yes. Gave me belief too. I remember sitting in the Supporters Club after that game with no doubt whatsoever that we would beat Wigan the following week and get to the GF. I can't recall ever being so confident about a game.

yep that was 2005 with morley shipped in by bradford and senior wrongly picked for cup final

the RFL had no balls or Bradford would have been, rightfully, stripped of the title

I seem to recall we lost the GF to Bradford,the LL shield to saints and CC Cup to Hull. All three breaking the cap.



It's been a while tho