Introduction
Will Smith (born 3 July 1992) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League. He primarily plays at five-eighth, but can also fill in at fullback and centre. He previously played for the Penrith Panthers.
Background
Born in Newcastle, New South Wales, Smith is an Indigenous Australian and played his junior football for the Western Suburbs Rosellas in the Newcastle Rugby League. He was then signed by the Newcastle Knights.
Playing career
Early career
From 2010 to 2012, Smith played for the Newcastle Knights' NYC team. On 28 May 2012, he re-signed with the Knights on a 1-year contract.
In 2013, he moved on to the Knights' New South Wales Cup team. On 25 June 2013, he signed a 2-year contract with the Penrith Panthers starting in 2014.
2014
In Round 21 of the 2014 NRL season, Smith made his NRL debut for the Panthers against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs replacing the injured Peter Wallace. He would go on to play 8 games for the Panthers at five-eighth that year, including 2 games in the finals. On 21 September, he was named at five-eighth in the 2014 New South Wales Cup Team of the Year.
2015
On 31 January and 1 February 2015, Smith played for the Panthers in the 2015 NRL Auckland Nines. He finished off the season playing 9 games for the Panthers scoring 2 tries and kicking 4 goals.
2016
On 13 February, Smith played for the Indigenous All Stars against the World All Stars. He was named in the Penrith 2016 NRL Auckland Nines squad. In November, it was announced that he would be joining the Parramatta Eels in 2017.
2017
Smith made his club debut for the Eels in round 9 of the 2017 season, playing at five-eighth against the North Queensland Cowboys and scoring a try. On the 5th of July 2017, Smith resigned with the club on a one-year extension due to good form.