Craig Smith

A former Ipswich Grammar student, New Zealand-born Craig Smith played all three matches of the 1997 State of Origin series.

Brought up on rugby union, the keen skin diver was a raw talent when he made his top grade league debut for South Sydney in 1995.

His career started to take off when he joined Illawarra the following year. Smith was part of a unique piece of league history in 1997, when he became the Steelers’ final Queensland representative.

Smith is as tough as they come, and his second phase play is excellent.

Les Geeves, ahead of Smith's Origin debut in 1997 Queensland chairman of selectors

That year, he also represented a Rest of the World side against Australia in Brisbane. In 1998, Smith put up his hand for his native New Zealand, and toured Britain and France with the Kiwis.

He played 12 Tests for New Zealand, his last appearance, against Australia in 2001. Smith was a crucial pillar in joint venture, St George Illawarra’s pack between 1999 and 2001, and played in the 1999 grand final against Melbourne Storm.

His uncompromising style and high knee action, sometimes landed him trouble with referees, and he knew his way to the judiciary.

After a successful spell with English power house, Wigan (2002-2004), Smith returned to Australia and played in the Illawarra competition, before taking up an offer from Newcastle to return to the NRL.

He played the 2005 and 2006 seasons with the Knights, before retiring from professional football.

In 2008, he accepted an offer from coach Luke Goodwin to play for the Maori team against the 'Indigenous Dreamtime Team', in a curtain raiser to an Australia v New Zealand Centenary World Cup match in Sydney.

Smith successfully transitioned from on-field excellence to off-field, holding a variety of coaching and development roles with the Knights.