The Frownlow Medal

Is Tim Smith the rookie who never made it?

Is the former NRL player the most exciting junior who never quite lived up to the hype in the big leagues? And does it have something to do with his nomination for The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame?

The Frownlow Medal is awarded to the player whose off-field demeanour epitomises the values of the modern-day footballer and draws attention to the status of footballers as role models to young Australians. It covers Australia’s four major football codes; the National Rugby League (NRL), Australian Football League (AFL), the A-League (Football) and Rugby Union’s Super Rugby competition. NRL player Shaun Kenny-Dowall won the inaugural medal in 2015, while NRL star Manase Fainu is the most recent recipient.

The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame honours former players and players who received media attention in previous seasons, for similarly scandalous behaviour, and its inductees include Ben Cousins and Julian O’Neill.

Smith was the NRL Rookie of the Year in 2005 but never won the Dally M or a premiership. Nor did he play State of Origin or for Australia, despite his obvious talent.

His off-field indiscretions might explain that outcome.

Smith was accused of public violence in 2005 and public drunkenness in 2007 and was suspended by the Parramatta Eels. In between that, he was involved in an altercation with Australian cricketer Michael Clarke at the Northies Hotel in Cronulla. It was alleged that Smith was talking to Clarke’s ex-girlfriend. He later went to a rehabilitation clinic and in early 2008 revealed he suffered from bipolar disorder.

Smith played for various clubs in England, and when he was at Wakefield he was in trouble again, this time for failing to provide a urine sample for analysis and for driving without due care and attention. He was later banned from driving for 28 months and released by Wakefield.

The playmaker then signed with Wigan in England and returned to Australia to try his luck in the NRL with the Brisbane Broncos in 2010, but soon faded from sight.

Smith may well be the most talented rookie to never make it in the NRL, but he won’t be the most wasted talent at The Frownlow awards night later this year, where anything goes.

Image: NuNa