I don't think it's "clear" Smith didn't rate AOB - after two years of being absolutely flogged to death by Lowes, I think Smith was simply trying out more efficient ways of using him - as is the prerogative of any new coach.

The Fev game, yes a massive error and I can see the logic of trying to match Fev with some grunt - on paper at least. Perhaps there are better suited players than AOB to take out of the squad to accommodate that though. Smith admitted immediately after the game that dropping O'Brien was an error, something I don't think he'd have done so easily if he didn't rate him. Plus AOB has taken a much more major role in the squad again since then - albeit in a much more minor competition.

I totally get he needed spelling, and I think that makes him more effective when he's on the field.

I was a bit OTT when I said it was clear. Rather I got the impression that he doesn't rate him. I can't pinpoint now why I got that impression, but it's certainly something I'd thought a few times since Smith took over.

You're not the only one HamsterChops, I also got 'a bit of a feeling', and I'll put it no higher than that - that Rohan wasn't quite as keen on Adam as the Jimmy had been. Mind, Jimmy nearly burnt him out in just over a season, so maybe it's no bad thing.

If Rohan Smith doesn't rate AOB then he is a blithering idiot with no clue whatsoever about RL. AOB is potentially a GB stalwart, he's that good, and even drunk and concussed no coach worthy of the name could not rate AOB.

AOB doesn't rate AOB. That's why he tried to go part-time with Halifax.