He wont play FG this season but Im interested to see how Ryley Smith goes.
If you ask Panthers pathways manager Lee Hopkins, it’s that athleticism and ability between the ears that makes him a top performer in the Penrith ranks.
“Ryley is a multi-talented kid,” Hopkins said earlier this year.
“He trialled for the Australian Under 19s World Cup squad this year (2022), he’s an extremely talented kid, got a great football brain and is extremely fit.”
Another of Smith’s attributes to come to the fore in 2022 was his versatility in key positions. He played predominantly at hooker for his 15 Jersey Flegg Cup matches but also managed six games in the halves while filling in for five-eighth Niwhai Puru.
The 19-year-old was a key contributor in their charge towards the Under 21s Premiership, with two tries, eight try assists, nine line-break assists, 16 tackle busts and 261 tackles.
Tom Gibbs
NSWRL