Adam SutcliffeParramatta Eels recall Tim Smith and Nathan Hindmarsh
March 25th 2008 12:16
www.nrlnews.com
The Parramatta Eels have recalled troubled halfback Tim Smith, along with a healthy Nathan Hindmarsh to their side to face the Newcastle Knights on Friday Night. In what should be a classic clash on Friday Night Football - the NRL sides boasting coaches that did a direct swap only a year ago will go head to head in search of positive NRL Results.
It's been well documented that Tim Smith has fought a battle with alcohol and the Eels after falling badly to the Warriors gave Smith the perfect chance to regain his spot from Brett Finch and Feleti Mateo.
It was an interesting situation for Brett Finch, combining well at times with Mateo - but after a strong game in Round 1 against the Bulldogs - teammate Nathan Hindmarsh was interviewed after the match and publicly berated Finch, saying the halfback had finally come good and was well overdue, suggesting Finch was dragging the chain in 2007.
Certainly a harsh call, Finch was rock solid for the Eels at the backend of 2007 and even if he wasn't playing well - there is no way team mate Hindmarsh should ever have publically hammered him; it's not something a tight knit team would do.
The Knights are currently undefeated after Round 2, 2008 and look like being NRL Top 8 contenders if results keep coming their way. The pressure is easing on Brian Smith as the team gets new combinations together for the year ahead.
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