Tim Smith stays in Premier League for another Week

The road back to first grade got a little longer for Parramatta halfback Tim Smith after he was overlooked for Sunday's NRL clash against the Sydney Roosters.

Dumped by new coach Jason Taylor from first grade last week for turning up drunk to training, Smith will again play in the Eels Premier League side on Sunday. Taylor said the 2005 Dally M rookie of the year, who has struggled to match the form he displayed during his stellar first year in the NRL, failed to do enough in Premier League last week to warrant a recall.

"He was considered but I just think that he needs to stay there a little bit longer," Taylor said.

"He's just been down on form a little bit and I think to put him back in before he plays well in Premier League wouldn't be doing the right thing by the team or Tim."

"He needs to get a good game under his belt, he'd be the first to admit in the Premier League game last week."

Smith's form this year has mirrored that of the Eels, the 2005 minor premiers mired near the bottom of the NRL ladder. Taylor, who has had just over a week in the top job following the shock resignation of Brian Smith, said he had no doubts Tim Smith could recapture the form that had him touted as a future representative player.

"He's just trying too hard, he's just got to get back to concentrating on the simple things and it will come for him," Taylor said.

"He's a great player, it's been a tough year for the whole club so far, and I think just take the pressure off him a little bit."

"He's fine with why it's happening and what he needs to do about it."

Smith's partner in crime Mark Riddell, who was also dumped to Premier League after failing to even show up for training after his drinking session with the young halfback, was recalled to first grade and will start the match on the bench.

Joel Reddy will start the match at fullback for the injured Wade McKinnon, while Roosters coach Ricky Stuart has included prop Adrian Morley in his side despite the Great Britain international being diagnosed with ligament damage in his hand on Monday.

Stuart will give Morley until match day to prove his fitness, but he is rated as being extremely doubtful. In other team news, Newcastle coach Michael Hagan has switched five-eighth Kurt Gidley to fullback to cover for the injured David Seage (hamstring) for Friday night's match against St George Illawarra.

Youngster Jarrod Mullen, who will play for the NSW under 19s in Wednesday night's State of Origin curtain raiser, is the new pivot. The Dragons have prop Luke Bailey (suspension) back in their line-up, but internationals Matt Cooper (hamstring) and Jason Ryles (hand) are still another week away at least.

With his four State of Origin players expected to back up, Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes has pushed Sonny Bill Williams back to the centres for Saturday night's meeting with Brisbane.
The Broncos have Brad Thorn in the starting line-up for Shane Webcke, who is expected to return from a rib injury next week.

© 2006 AAP