NRL: Smith prospers under Bennett

Jeremy Smith credits Wayne Bennett's influence at the Kiwis and his guidance at St George-Illawarra. Photo / Getty Images

Jeremy Smith came of age as a league professional last season, for which he credits Wayne Bennett's influence at the Kiwis and his guidance now that he has switched from Melbourne to the St George-Illawarra Dragons.

Smith deservedly won the New Zealand Rugby League's player of the year award after appearing 27 times for the Melbourne Storm and in seven test matches, two as stand-in skipper.

He was a latecomer to the NRL, making his debut at 24 and now at 29, he has 74.

At the Storm he was behind a series of test and State of Origin players in David Kidwell, Scott Hill, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson and Michael Crocker. So his game-time often came down to filling in during State of Origin and test times and was usually off the bench.

"I'm getting a lot more time on the paddock now [at the Dragons] and that helps with your confidence," he said this week during the build-up to tomorrow's game against the Warriors. "I didn't mind playing off the bench because we had a great team there but I'm really enjoying starting and getting more time at the back end too."

He's been playing 60 minutes or more. "That's enough to keep me happy and enough to make sure I stay at my best through that time," he said.

At the Dragons his role is in the middle. At the Storm it was replacing players on the outside.

"It's easier to get found out out there," he said, admitting he's not the fastest backrower. "You can get isolated very easily. "There's more work in the middle but I like that."

He started playing league at 5 for the Sydenham Swans in Christchurch where he was born. The family moved to Aussie when he was 14 and he played through the grades for the Altona Roosters in Melbourne and then the Runaway Bay Club, eventually making it to the Queensland Cup competition and it was from there that he was talent-scouted by Storm coach Wayne Bellamy.

He had just two NRL games in 2005, 19 in both 2006 and 2007 including the grand final win over Manly, then 27 last year including the 40-0 loss to Manly. Completing a good pre-season this year has been key to his great early form, he believes. Smith is sure to be in the 17 named tomorrow for the Kiwis/Kangaroos test in Brisbane next Friday night.

And he credits Bennett. "Wayne pushed me to where I am now. He's got me working harder in defence and thinking more about where I should be in attack. When you do the video with him he certainly points out what you could have done and what you need to do. He's very straight and he knows what he's talking about. There are lots of guys at the club reaping massive rewards."

Jamie Soward was one, struggling as Smith did for a regular start at the Dragons, until Bennett turned up this season. The half scored 21 of 29 points against the Roosters last weekend and has the longest kicking game in the NRL.

"He's always had it, probably the opportunity didn't come his way. Benny has shown confidence in him and he's grabbed that chance. It was like that at the Storm - when you get your opportunity you have to grab it with both hands because it's so tough to get in. That's the attitude you want at every club."

The Dragons now have a Broncos-type mentality, Smith said. The players there in 2008 and before that were commenting on the new discipline in defence and the way the lapses of concentration that cost them crucial games had been eliminated by the 22-year former Bronco. "He's brought a Broncos mentality. We play right through the 80 minutes now. If you're going to beat the Dragons, you have to play right to the end."

Tomorrow's match will be his second at Wollongong, where he's shifted with his wife and two children, after they were beaten there by the Titans in round two, something that doesn't happen too often at WIN Stadium. "We're determined to keep our record here."

He expects a tough and physical encounter from the Warriors.

And tomorrow he's quietly confident he'll get the test call-up after playing well in the World Cup-winning squad in 2008.

"I'm happy with my form and I'm looking forward to the Anzac test. We want to get back up there and show the Aussies it was no fluke. If we can keep the core of the team together for a few years there's no reason that can't happen."

THE SMITH FILE

* Born April 14, 1980, Christchurch.
* Junior club, Runaway Bay, Tweed Heads.
* 184cm 100kg backrower.
* NRL debut R23 2004, 67 games for the Melbourne Storm to 2008.
* Signed with the Dragons to 2011, seven games so far 2009.
* 12 tests for the Kiwis 2008/09.