Matty Smith's goal kicking

[stevethegas]

The last few games have shown us something a bit odd. Sitting in the West stand about level with 30m, we get to watch Matty trying for a conversion of a try scored by our right wing. Fortunately there have been a few of these recently for which we are all grateful.
However when Matty lines up the ball, from where we sit it's clear that the long axis of the ball is aimed left of the posts. And surprisingly often that's where the ball goes.
I understand his average is around 72% success. Not bad, but not Pat Richards or Saint Kevin. From the right is where Matty misses most. I can't help but think his alignment is the problem.

[East Stand Faithful]

Thats very odd and something you would think the likes of Deacon would have picked up on.

I will watch out for that in future matches.

[thegimble]

He seems to strike the ball well from either side now. I do agree it seems an alignment issue. 72% is decent and he is improving.

[Smokie Jim]

I agree he's getting better but is the goal kicking an aspect of the game that a team of Wigan's stature can afford to put up with a player 'learning on the job ' so to speak We need a saint Kev were we can be confident the conversions are just a formality something to be had but not yet. Unfortunately

[Wiganer Ted]

This past two seasons we have scored more tries out wide than ever. That's also part of Matty Smith's problem too.

[Caboosegg]

Smith is right footed and when aiming from the left lines up with the second post. These shots he seems to get most of the time. However when aiming from the right wing he needs to aim for the first post and doesn't seem to get the curl correct.

Im not to concerned richards was a freak. Smith kicking percentage is only were its at because of where most of our tries come from (the wings)

[TrueBlueWarrior]

He is getting better that is all you can ask!!

[OAMJSONA]

i wonder if my pre season assesment that goal kicking could let us down this season comes true - i will wait and see

Hope to god i am wrong

[Ed Osmond]

Let's be honest, Smith is an adequate goal-kicker and nothing more. Yes, he is improving. But it will cost us in tight matches. Surprises me that Wane allows this situation to continue.
A specialist goal-kicker must be a priority signing. We were spoilt for years with Botica, Farrell Richards etc. and I hope Wane will look to bring someone in.
Smith has enough on his plate getting the team round the park without Green now. And the back-up options aren't good either.

[Firestarter]

Spot on ed.... Couldnt have put it better myself