Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys AM has today paid tribute to Billy Smith, who has passed away.
Smith was a member of the NRL Hall of Fame, and a former Kangaroos Captain. He represented Australia on 44 occasions, including in 26 Test and World Cup matches.
He was considered one of the finest halfbacks in the game’s history, having been part of the iconic St George Dragons teams of the 1960s, although early in his career he made his name as a centre.
Smith played 234 matches for the Dragons, winning four Premierships between 1963 and 1966, and was named in the St George Team of the Century in 2022. He played 359 first-class games, scoring 55 tries and 256 points.
“Billy was a legendary figure,” Mr V’landys said.
“He was tough but he was skilful, a necessary combination in the era he played in.
“Norm Provan called him the best halfback he had seen. That says everything about how good Billy Smith was as a player.
“He was equally successful representing Australia, earning consecutive Harry Sunderland Medals as the best Australian player in 1966-67.
“Growing up, Billy Smith and Graeme Langlands were two of my favourite players. I still remember in the Preliminary final against Manly when Billy burst through on the blind side and passed inside without needing to look; Langlands was exactly where Smith expected him to be, accepted the pass and scored in the corner. St George made a comeback in the second half winning 15-12 with that try being the start of the comeback.
“On behalf of the Commission, I extend our condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
