Rory Brien

Ben Smith is a Parramatta second rower, who has played all of his senior football with the Eels.
A Werris Creek junior, Smith was a member of the incredible 2004 Eels Under 20 side, which featured such players as Tim Smith, Feleti Mateo and Joel Reddy and in 2004 he made his NRL debut against Melbourne at Olympic Park.
At that stage, Smith was a lanky centre who was almost unstoppable close to the line.
In 2005, Smith established himself as an NRL player and he went on to win the Rugby League Writer's Rookie of the Year award after he scored 14 years in his full, debut season.
However, in 2006 Smith badly injured his leg in Round 4 and played just 14 games in that year. In 2007, he returned to the Eel's centres and was on the verge on Country selection when he again injured his leg. Some would say that Smith never re-gained his lateral movement after that second injury and his leg continued to trouble him throughout that and the next year.
In 2009, Smith made the transition to the forwards under new coach Daniel Anderson. An aggressive, reliable defender who is strong on the fringes off a short ball Smith has been a regular in the Eel's pack since making that move. A country ball, with an affable nature, Smith is a popular player amongst Eels fans.
However, 2012 shapes as a year that will define Smith's future. In 2011, it appeared he slipped below Taniela Lasalo on Stephen Kearney's pick list and with the likes of Justin Horo and Patrick O'Hanlon sure to pressure for second row positions, Smith will face a challenge to maintain his place in the first 17. Off contract in 2012, he has already been linked with a possible move to the Newcastle Knights. - 1Eyed Eel

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