Jason Smith

Jason Smith (born 14 March 1972) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. A Queensland State of Origin and Australian international representative five-eighth or lock forward, he played club football in Australia for the Bulldogs (with whom he won the 1995 Premiership), Eels, Raiders and the Cowboys, and in England for Hull F.C. At his peak he was regarded as one of the game's greatest players.

Professional playing career

1990s

Joining Parramatta Eels along with his defecting teammates in 1996 following year in order to remain with the ARL competition, Smith's representative career continued for Queensland and Australia (against Papua New Guinea) but his 1997 season was ruined by injury. At Parramatta, Smith's commitment never wavered despite a succession of injuries. In three successive preliminary finals (1998-00), the Eels faltered at the last hurdle to making the grand final and too often the young club's fortunes rested on his shoulders.

2000s

Declining to take on the Parramatta captaincy in his final year with the club, his career appeared to be winding down after injuries and suspension saw him miss much of the second half of the season. Smith left the Eels at the end of the year to play for Hull F.C. in the Super League, captaining the side from 2002 to 2004.

Wikipedia