One story is that Billy was in attendance when winemakers Penfolds became sponsor in 1977 and a day trip to Penfolds vineyard was organised. The players got on the grape and were having a good time. Following a dare, Smithy had a go at driving the team bus and decided to hide it behind a shed. Then fully clothed, he jumped into the dam and exclaimed he sunk the bus; and everyone believed it. Eventually the bus was found high and dry but club secretary John Fleming was not amused. The officials drove home in the bus, leaving the players behind; who then proceeded to party on, reaping havoc and leaving an embarrassing mess in their wake.
The following week, Billy Smith was shown the door and barred from the club for eight years for his role in the incident.
In all, Billy Smith played 229 first grade games scoring 30 tries, 24 goals and 23 field goals (161 points). He represented NSW 15 times in 1964, 65, 67, 68, 69, 71 & 1973. He played 18 Tests for Australia in 1964-68 & 1970. He played in six grand finals 1963-66, 1971 & 1975, winning on four occasions. He twice won the Harry Sunderland Medal for best Australian player in an Ashes series. Following a smashed jaw in 1969, he came back to captain Australia in the 1970 World Cup.
In 1977 aged 35, Billy Smith finally finished his career in reserve grade but not before passing Norm Provan's club record of 296 all-grade matches. Now a 'St George Legend', Billy Smith will be remembered as a champion footballer who never took a backward step when playing the game he loved.
