He is certainly behind in his milestones.
Merkins are raving about his speed, as though that’s the defining feature of modern dummy halves. But they fail to note that Smith wasn’t retained by Penrith in favour of plodder Kenny, who is also slower than Brendan Hands, another hooker they let go.
Modern hookers are about decision making and defence, with running game a bonus for the players who have the first two things squared away. Smith is at least very fit, which is good for his work rate. His speed would come in handy for leading the line, unless he lacks the strength to be effective in initial contact. Then he would just be a speed bump.
I hope so too, for our sake. Lussick and Hands are very ordinary.