LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Former NRL player Will Smith is set to extend his career until 2026 after signing with Lakes United in the Newcastle local competition.
This regional competition is recognized for hosting a number of former NRL talents, and Smith has spent the past two seasons with the Wests club.
Now, he has chosen to shift to Lakes United, where he will team up with former NRL players Sione and Peter Mata'utia. The club has recently confirmed his addition along with his brother Matt.
Smith began his professional journey with the Penrith Panthers in 2014, appearing in 21 matches for the team. He is notably remembered for his time with the Parramatta Eels, during which he played 54 games from 2017 to 2021.
However, the now 33-year-old faced challenges afterward, spending half a season with the Gold Coast Titans, another half-season with Hull FC, and a season with the Wests Tigers, amassing a total of 20 top-flight games.
At Wests, Smith primarily played as a centre, with the team reaching the preliminary finals in 2025, but he is versatile enough to play across the back seven positions.
The Newcastle competition, which was claimed by the Maitland Pickers for an impressive fourth consecutive year in 2025, also includes several experienced players from the NRL, such as Kevin Naiqama, Albert Kelly, Brock Lamb, Ethan Parry, Brad Tighe, Mitch Garbutt, and Peni Terepo.