‘Shock’ after former Wallabies, rugby league star loses cancer fight

A former Wallabies and rugby league star has died after a health battle. He was 59.

Brian Smith played five Tests for the Wallabies in 1987, before controversially switching allegiance to Ireland and playing a further nine. He then played 43 league matches for Balmain and Eastern Suburbs in the early ’90s.

After retiring from his football career, he went on to lead the sports department at Sydney’s prestigious Scots College.

“Brian had been very unwell in recent months and was battling an aggressive cancer,” Scots principal Ian Lambert wrote to school colleagues.

“This is very sad news for our college community and I know it will come as a shock to many of you who knew and worked closely with him.

“Our immediate thoughts are with Brian’s wife Lisa, his daughters Ruby and Santana, and his son Chilli.”

Former league great Mark Geyer played alongside Smith at Balmain in 1993 and was rocked by the news of his passing.

“We were about the same age - I didn’t even know the poor guy was crook,” Geyer told nine.com.au.

“You couldn’t find a nicer, more considerate person who cared for his teammates.

“And he had plenty of ability too - playing for the Wallabies and then switching codes and starring in league is not easy to do.

“He was a real talent and it is a tragedy.”

Wallabies star Angus Bell opened his press conference on Wednesday with a classy tribute to Smith.

“I just wanted to touch on the passing of Brian Smith, Wallabies (cap number) 659,” Bell said.

“He was coaching at the Scots school and coached a lot of us coming through the grades. I just wanted to say it’s a really sad time, and we’re wishing the best for his wife and kids. He was an avid rugby person and helped a lot of individuals in the squad and in the Wallabies today. Just sending my condolences.”

Bell said Smith’s coaching had an enormous impact on his development.

The 25-year-old has played 54 Tests and is regarded as one of the world’s best props.

“He was my coach in GPS and New South Wales 2s (seconds),” Bell said.

“I was 16 and fair to say I wouldn’t have played anywhere near as good without him. Me, (Wallabies lock) Jeremy Williams and Will Harris from the Force were really close with him. He was a great bloke, a great father and a great coach. Very sad.”

Former Wallabies coach Alan Jones once described Smith as one of the world’s most gifted players.

After playing in the 1987 Rugby World Cup, Smith moved to the UK to study before playing for Ireland.

By the time he returned to Australia in 1991, Jones had taken over as Balmain coach and convinced Smith to switch to the 13-man game.

Playing mostly at halfback, Smith made 37 appearances for the Tigers before ending his career with the Tricolours.

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