Rugby League: Smith puts revival down to 'Junior'

By PETER JESSUP

Rejuvenated lock Tyran Smith credits former Kangaroo-turned-Wests Tigers coach Wayne Pearce with elevating him to the New Zealand Anzac test squad.

"Junior [Pearce] has given me latitude to read the game and play both sides of the ruck. I'm enjoying that more than second row," said the 26-year-old Smith.

He has collared four man-of-the-match awards and two players' player awards in 10 games this season.

"Not blowing my own trumpet, mate, but my game's been doing all the talking," Smith said when asked if he had expected to make the Kiwis.

"I set the World Cup as a goal this year. I've worked hard in the off-season. I'm still running at 109kg, which is big for a lock for sure, but I've kept up extra sprint work to hold my speed. I'm very happy with my form."

Smith played in seven tests in 1996 and 1997 but a high error-rate saw him left behind in 1998, when he was in reserve grade at the Warriors under Kiwi coach Frank Endacott.

He moved to an understrength Balmain side last season, and was chosen by Pearce as one of those to go on to the Balmain-Wests merged side, and has not looked back.

"Consistency is the big thing in the NRL and I think I've learned how to achieve that," he said.

He concedes that dropped balls cost him Kiwi and Warrior starts, saying: "It was inexperience. Trying to push passes with three guys hanging off you isn't on. I wasn't doing favours for the teams I was playing in then. I pick the time to push passes now."

Smith lives close to Balmain's old Leichhardt Oval, a ground under threat if the state Government does not help the new club with refurbishment. He loves the Sydney lifestyle and credits partner Kelly Mundine (Anthony's sister) and sons Tyson, aged 6, Reimis, aged 3, and Khan, aged 2, with keeping him focused on his goals.

"They've really stuck by me when I was down and it all plays a part."

Having made goal one, a Kiwi jersey, earlier than expected, Smith is now raising his sights.

He said of the Anzac test: "It's a good balance across the side. Hopefully we'll go all the way."