Billy Smith - Legend who hasn't been shown true Respect by NRL & media

[Old Timer]

He invented the banana kick back for Langlands that Andrew Johns got credit for 2 decades later. And Johns has never uttered the words....... I saw Billy do it as a kid to set up Changa and I practiced the banana kick and resurrected it 2 decades later. His silence was him taking credit for another players genius.

Billy & Changa used to practice stuff on their own at various parks in the area.

I remember seeing them plenty of times in the little park opposite the entry to Beverley Park golf course.
They would be there for hours trying all sorts of different things and remain focused the entire time.

Carr's Park was also another haunt where they practiced together.

 

[maestro1]

So, serious question, why are some off field indiscretions forgivable and our game even takes pride in the players redemption story and immortalised said player. And contrastingly, a player who is probably one of the best ever, isn't ever forgiven for regularly making a goose of himself on the pi$$. Come on Vlandys and co. ....... Immortalise this guy while he is still with us. His exploits on the field are the epitome of a true Rugby League footballer. Tough, loyal, strong, fast, skillful, do anything for his mates and jersey. Represented his country with distinction (2 Sunderland medals, multiple premierships, could play both the running half or organising halfback game brilliantly, great astute kicking game, defensively impenetrable ..........and could also excel in the centres.

 

[Sage63]

Unfortunately, he shattered the memories of my boyhood idol with tales of multiple post-retirement 'incidents' all involving alcohol. He pissed many people off.

Seems Billy had difficulty adjusting to life post football.

 

[Sage63]

That too is what I have heard.

 

[Revesby boy]

Only two words can describe Billy for me “MY HERO “

 

[Stan Gorton 2511]

Billy and Changa were my boyhood idols

The 2 man team mantra came from 1971 when Jack Gibson assembled half a team of "no names" that went all the way to the GF (and all three grades made it that year) even though we also had ex internationals in Barry Beath and Tony Branson.
Changa and Billy single handedly got us through two semis in that final series against Parra (extra time) and Manly in the Preliminary Final
Bill worked at Caringbah Inn for awhile post retirement and some of those stories about his antics there are legendary (I actually witnessed a couple)
Very friendly guy though always happy to chat footy

 

[Inisai Toga]

Billy and Changa were my boyhood idols

The 2 man team mantra came from 1971 when Jack Gibson assembled half a team of "no names" that went all the way to the GF (and all three grades made it that year) even though we also had ex internationals in Barry Beath and Tony Branson.
Changa and Billy single handedly got us through two semis in that final series against Parra (extra time) and Manly in the Preliminary Final
Bill worked at Caringbah Inn for awhile post retirement and some of those stories about his antics there are legendary (I actually witnessed a couple)
Very friendly guy though always happy to chat footy

Remember those Semi’s of ‘71 so vividly. Smith and Langlands combination was at its peak. They beat Parra in extra time and Billy virtually owned the Final against Minor Premiers Manly in beating them 15-12. This was an unbelievable game. He set 2 tries for Chang and kicked 3 Field Goals. Nearly emulated that feat against the mighty Souths team the following week. What a player!