Titans: Jason Smith

[Just Another Member]

I wouldn't put him in lock as he isn't fit enough to cope with the tackling. When he has to do lots of tackles in the last year and a half he has struggled. Now put that together with Preston's defensive weaknesses and you are starting to get a big problem.

And let me make it clear, There is no problem with his defence, it is just he can't do a lot of it. But I guess you could argue everyone else in the pack is hard workers which could make up for that but it will bite sooner or later.

[Social Loafer]

Looks like Cowboys have become the new favourites to get Smithy onboard for 2007.

If he went there he would play in the halves with Thurston.. That is potentially one deadly halves combination...

[Queenslander]

If he went there he would play in the halves with Thurston.. That is potentially one deadly halves combination...

It would be a great combo to have, but a horrible one to watch playing against you

[Presto Magic]

Didn't the Cows already sign Nicolau from the Storm?

[Queenslander]

Titans play family card for Smith
By Daniel Pace
July 26, 2006

GOLD Coast hopes Jason Smith will choose a settled life with his family over a more lucrative offer from North Queensland when he decides his NRL future.

Titans chief executive Michael Searle and coach John Cartwright tabled a one-year offer believed to be worth about $150,000 when they met the Canberra five-eighth's manager, Sam Ayoub, in Sydney today.

The Cowboys are understood to have offered Smith, 34, an extra $50,000 to head even further north next year.

Smith - the second-oldest player in the NRL behind Newcastle forward Craig Smith - is expected to announce his decision tomorrow.

"We think we've put a reasonable offer to him, one that's fair on both parties," Searle said.

The Titans' biggest selling point revolves around Smith building a house at Billinudgel, near Byron Bay in northern New South Wales, where he plans to retire from football.

But 2005 grand finalist North Queensland can guarantee the former Queensland Origin and Australia representative a starting spot for more money, an enticement that could prove irresistible.

Searle believes cash is not the main motivating factor for Smith, who enjoyed a lucrative stint with English Suoper League club Hull from 2001 to 2004.

"Jason's at a stage of his career where the coin isn't the most important thing," Searle said.

"We pitched really heavily that he's got a young family that is starting school next year.

"They're the sort of emotional issues that players are considering these days.

"It's a definite selling point going to a region and having the kids stay in a school for a number of years rather than relocate them regularly."

The Titans would use Smith off the bench or as a back-up half if they succeeded in signing him.

"He's one of the last really good ball-players in our game," Searle said.

"He's one those guys that can really dominate a game.

"He's like Wally Lewis in that he has the same sort of skills.

"They don't rush, and they're got a great football brain."

Raiders halfback Todd Carney meanwhile saidt the Titans would benefit more than the Cowboys from securing the scheming pivot's services

"I think Smithy would be great for the Titans because they'll have a new group of players who will want to go out there and prove a point straight away," Carney said.

"With Smithy there, he can slow it down and bring the team into a rhythm.

"That's the big thing with us and Smithy.

"He can slow the game down so we get back on track in what we've got to do. There's not many blokes who can do it."



AAP

[Coaster]

How will he go with the fitness thrown at him by Billy, will billy wait till he finishes his durry?

[Darren Lockyer]

Still $150 k in the nrl isn't bad for a 34 yr. old. I think he'll come to us for the lifestyle.

[Titanium_BD1103]

LOL Billy is use to it coaster... Barry Ward and Marty Bella liked to tuck into pies quite a bit when Billy was trainer at the Bulldogs.. .. but he kept them in shape, I'm sure Jason will be no problem...

[Roolander]

Titans hoping Smith isn't 'chasing coin'
Email Print Normal font Large font July 26, 2006 - 4:56PM

Advertisement
AdvertisementThe Gold Coast Titans are hoping Jason Smith will choose a settled life with his family over a more lucrative offer from North Queensland when coming to a decision on his NRL future.

Titans chief executive Michael Searle and coach John Cartwright have met with the Canberra five-eighth's manager Sam Ayoub in Sydney and tabled a one-year offer believed to be worth about $150,000.

It's understood the Cowboys have offered the 34-year-old Smith an extra $50,000 to head even further north next year.

Smith - the second-oldest player in the NRL behind Newcastle's Craig Smith - is expected to announce his decision on Wednesday.

"We think we've put a reasonable offer to him, one that's fair on both parties," Searle said.

The Titans' biggest selling point revolves around Smith building a house at Billinudgel, near Byron Bay in northern NSW, where he will retire from football.

But 2005 grand finalist North Queensland can guarantee the former Queensland Origin and Australian representative a starting spot for more money, an enticement which could prove irresistible.

Searle believes cash is not the main motivating factor for Smith, who would have been set up for life financially following his stint with English club Hull from 2001 to 2004.

"Jason's at a stage of his career where the coin isn't the most important thing," Searle said.

"We pitched really heavily that he's got a young family that is starting school next year.

"They're the sort of emotional issues that players are considering these days.

"It's a definite selling point going to a region and having the kids stay in a school for a number of years rather than relocate them regularly."

The Titans would use Smith as an impact player off the bench or a back-up half if they succeeded in signing him.

"He's one of the last really good ball-players in our game," Searle said.

"He's one of those guys that can really dominant a game. He's like Wally Lewis in that he has the same sort of skills.

"They don't rush and they've got a great football brain."

Raiders halfback Todd Carney felt the Titans would benefit more than the Cowboys from securing the scheming pivot's services.

"I think Smithy would be great for the Titans because they'll have a new group of players who will want to go out there and prove a point straight away," Carney said.

"With Smithy there, he can slow it down and bring the team into a rhythm.

"That's the big thing with us and Smithy. He can slow the game down so we get back on track in what we've got to do. There's not many blokes who can do it."

? 2006 AAP

[DeeGan]

Michael Searle likened the signing of Smith something like this when we spoke yesterday ...

" He is like the 8 year old horse?. Not as flash as the 4 years old but he sure knows how to get to the line a real winner ?. he has a very strong work ethic at training and is a leader of training in Canberra usually? "

Sold

Look, when it comes down to it, at the right price, we are crazy not to entertain the signing of Smith given the output over two seasons with Canberra. He has proven he is more than up to NRL level even at his age and will be a good contributor on and off the field.

[titansroostersfan]

Would be a great player for the titans but we just have to wait and se what happens in 2007.

[Queenslander]

Smith counsels Raiders mates
July 27, 2006

VETERAN five-eighth Jason Smith will seek the advice of his senior Canberra teammates before making a decision on whether to join North Queensland or the Gold Coast Titans next season.

Smith, 34, said today he will talk to his family and Raiders trio Clinton Schifcofske, Simon Woolford and Jason Croker before announcing a decision.

He admits he hasn't a clue which way he's leaning, but said the happiness of his family will be the overriding factor.

Although he will be signing a one-year deal, Smith hasn't ruled out playing in the NRL in 2008.

AAP

[Social Loafer]

Although he will be signing a one-year deal, Smith hasn't ruled out playing in the NRL in 2008.

If Smithy didn't smoke a pack a day he could play until 2012

IMO, he should go to the titans, going from Canberra's climate to the Goldcoast, but from Canberra to Townsville for someone like Smithy, the bloke would only play in 10 minute stints

[Eel 33]

Does anyone know where he's going to yet?

[Grimmace]

Smith says wife to decide on his future

Jason Smith will seek the advice of his senior Canberra teammates and coaching staff before announcing a decision on whether to join North Queensland or the Gold Coast Titans for the 2007 NRL season.

But the 34-year-old five-eighth says the final call will come from his wife Janelle.

Smith told AAP on Thursday that the one-year offers from the Cowboys and Titans were similar financially and he would enjoy the lifestyles of both Townsville and the Gold Coast.

"More than likely my wife will make the decision," said Smith, who is building a house at Billinudgel, near Byron Bay in northern NSW.

"If your family is happy at home then it makes my job easier. All I do is go and play football and I don't have to worry about anything else.

"As soon as your family isn't happy, then it starts affecting your football.

"I don't even know where I want to go so that's probably why my wife will have a bigger bearing on where I end up than me."

Cowboys officials are pessimistic about the chances of securing the former Queensland Origin and Test player, despite the fact they're offering more money than the $150,000 package the Titans have tabled to his manager Sam Ayoub.

An experienced and clever player like Smith would be the perfect foil for gun halfback Johnathan Thurston, who's been forced to shoulder a huge load for the Cowboys this year.

Smith said he was still torn and would on Thursday seek the advice of departing Raiders Clinton Schifcofske (Queensland Reds), Simon Woolford (St George Illawarra) and Jason Croker (likely Les Catalans).

On Wednesday night, he spoke to former Bulldogs and Parramatta teammate Jim Dymock and will also talk to Raiders coach Matt Elliott and his assistant Wayne Collins.

"I've spoken to a few people about it but I've got no idea what I'll do, I swear to God," said Smith, who has three children.

"Both offers are close to each other in price so it's not an easy decision as far as money goes. It's more about where we'll be happy."

Woolford had no doubt Smith - the second-oldest player in the NRL behind Newcastle's Craig Smith - would play a dominant role for either club next year.

"He's very lucky that at this stage of his career he's got a decision to make," said the former Raiders skipper.

"For a lot of players his age, the decision is made for them.

"He's proven that age isn't necessarily a barrier for everybody."

Smith said there was a high chance he would continue playing into the 2008 NRL season when he would be 36 years old.

"As I've said to my manager, next year won't definitely be my last," Smith noted.

"If I still feel good, that'll be my yardstick on whether I go around again."

Source: AAP
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