Smylie?s swansong season with ?Canes could be the best yet

Above: Chris Smylie playing for his current Wellington club Old Boys-University two seasons ago. The versatile Hurricanes halfback also spent a season affiliated with Northern United in 2007.

Chris Smylie has worn many different coloured jerseys across New Zealand over his professional career but it will be a Hurricanes one he signs out on.

The livewire halfback’s long affiliation with the Wellington-based franchise will end at the 2015 season after nine seasons in the competition, having also played for the Highlanders and Blues throughout his successful tenure.

His combination with All Black TJ Perenara is vital to the Hurricanes success and Smylie is relishing the starting opportunities presented in the World Cup year, making a strong starting contribution against the Western Force in round three.

“I got to start in the Force game, the reason I played well was because the pack was dominating up front, not just in defence but in attack.

“Hopefully I’ll get another shot and take that opportunity, not because they have to play me but because I’m playing well,” Smylie said.

The halfback duo has targeted this week as a momentous occasion against Aaron Smith who is also reaping rewards behind a ferocious forward pack.

“He’s definitely the best. Everything he does is top-notch that’s why he’s the best in the world, I believe, but we’ll be looking to disrupt him.

“TJ has done a lot more work this week than he usually does so he obviously wants to prove that he’s number one and I’ve got a point to make if I get on as well so it’s definitely motivating.”

The scrumhalf’s longevity in professional rugby is something of a marvel and despite being in his final year there is no sign of slowing down for the 32 year-old.

Smylie believes he has acquired the appropriate work ethic over his 12 years of professional that has matured him on and off the field.

“Looking after your body, staying hungry, being motivated and never being content where you are,” are the reasons Smylie believes has kept him at the height of the game.

“You tend to be a lot more grateful, you don’t take things for granted as you get older. I had a scare in 2012 and I was out for the whole season so I’m just grateful and blessed to be in this team.

“When I finish I’ll look back at the Hurricanes as the team I’ve enjoyed the most, that I’ve played for the most, so this is a team that separates the other two, Blues and Highlanders, because I’ve been here longer and a lot of friendships here,” Smylie said.

It is no secret that 2015 is already shaping a, potentially, special years for Hurricanes rugby but the week-by-week approach holds the team in good stead for the remainder of the competition.

“It’s early days yet, it’s a tough competition but the boys are keeping it humble.

“We’ve got guys who have been through the ups and downs and we’ve just been disappointed the last few years not to be in playoffs, so this is definitely the year for us,” Smylie believes.
It certainly does not feel more than a decade ago that Smylie was running out for North Harbour and Otago, bursting onto the NZ rugby scene.

“It was a dream to play for Harbour growing up as a young fella but I took things for granted. I went down to Otago and made the most of my opportunities out of that.”

Smylie has also enjoyed brief stints on the Wellington club rugby scene with both Norths and OBU.

“The rugby is still strong in Wellington and as you get older you appreciate going back and giving something back to the younger players from the way you carry yourself and play on the field,” he said.

It is, however, in Otago where Smylie hit his peak and the reward of NPC player of the year in 2005 was much deserved.

“Definitely one day I’ll look back and see it as a proud moment but some of the boys make fun of me because it was a decade ago but I feel like I’m a better player than I was then, I’m a lot hungrier and the fire’s still burning so hopefully I can rekindle it again this year.”

Smylie does not appear to have lost any pace or ability since 2005 and a starting spot in the Maori All Blacks last year was reward for his consistency.

Having been approached by Maori coach Colin Cooper and told he was ranked the fourth-best Maori halfback in the country prior to selection, Smylie set about climbing that ladder, four weeks later he had gained the starting role, testament to his enthusiasm and blue-collar approach to the game.

Last year he won the ITM Cup with Taranaki and played his 100th NPC match against Bay of Plenty in September.?

The dream of becoming an All Black may have dwindled over the years but Smylie is hell bent on having no regrets by the end of the season and heading offshore on a high.

The Hurricanes continue to look the real deal week by week.

There is no doubt Chris Smylie will leave NZ rugby having ticked just about every box a professional player can, and the country has been lucky to have his loyal services over the past 13 seasons.