St Marys Saints former coach on why Penrith Panthers NRL star Lindsay Smith climbed the ranks

While Penrith’s Lindsay Smith isn’t a household name like his title winning teammates, one of his junior coaches won’t be surprised when his star pupil takes the field in Sunday’s NRL grand final.

Lindsay Smith, St Marys to Penrith Panthers and a grand final.

When the Penrith Panthers face Brisbane in Sunday’s NRL decider at Accor Stadium, they’ll field six St Marys juniors including grand final rookie Lindsay Smith.

While multiple premiership winners Brian To’o, Jarome Luai and Moses Leota are names synonymous with the local club, Smith’s former coach Tony Wilson won’t be surprised when the 23-year-old prop joins them on the big stage.

“If there was anyone that I thought could go on and play NRL, he would have been one of the top ones for sure.” said Wilson, who coached Smith for two seasons in the under-16s and 17s.

“He had all the right attributes in terms of attitude, dedication and temperament. I'm an old footy player myself and you’ve got to want to do it, and he definitely wanted to do it.”

Lindsay Smith back in his St Marys days. Picture: St Marys Rugby League

Back then, the Westfields Sports High student was already under Penrith’s radar having played in the Harold Matthews Cup and SG Ball teams alongside Minchinbury junior Spencer Leniu.

Smith remained loyal to St Marys from the day he first donned the club’s jersey in the under-6s. Always above average height, Wilson says the only barrier to the then backrower’s NRL dream was leather and willow.

“Lindsay was a really good cricketer too. He played grade cricket for Penrith and at one stage gave it serious consideration,” said Wilson.

Since cracking the top grade in 2021, Smith has found stability this year, going on to make 22 of his 26 NRL appearances.

“Even though he has always been among the top players in the district, he comes from a good family and has always had a level head,” said Wilson, who has since replaced the clipboard with ground manager duties.

“He still comes up and says hello, and that’s a good indication of a bloke that hasn’t forgotten where he’s come from.”

Lindsay Smith taking on the Storm in the preliminary final. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Pressed on what separates Smith from the rest of the pack, Wilson didn’t hesitate.

“What sets players like Lindsay and Spencer apart is that they stayed with it,” Wilson explained.

“In those early training camps where there were 50 kids, some of them were probably far better and thought they were going to make it, but for one reason or another they just lost interest in football.

“That's the part that a lot of young players and especially parents don’t understand. All the training, games and weekend commitments, it all adds up,” he said. “So it’s not easy, and that’s probably why very few people make it through from beginning to end.”

Competitive spirit: Lindsay Smith celebrates with James Fisher-Harris. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

Wilson also raised another key trait, one that is bound to come in handy under the bright lights on Sunday night.

“He's just competitive,” he said.

“If he was playing cricket against his brother, he’d want to win. And when we played touch footy after training, he always wanted to win.

“Lindsay wasn’t a bad loser, he just wanted to win and I guess that attitude has helped him through.”

Talk to the former coach long enough, and it’s clear the fruit hasn’t fallen far from the tree.

“In the under-16s we made the grand final,” Wilson said, the excitement growing in his voice. “We actually got robbed, we had a pass ruled forward and it wasn’t, but that’s the way football is.”