‘Legendary figure’ from St George Dragons’ greatest ever team dies
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St George Dragons icon Billy Smith has died, aged 84.
The champion halfback played in four of the club’s legendary 11-straight grand final victories in what remains the most dominant period in rugby league history.
Billy Smith poses with Jason Nightingale in 2016. Daniel Munoz/Fairfax Media
Smith was one of the best playmakers of his generation in a glittering career that spanned more than 15 years donning the famous Red V.
He played 234 first grade matches for the Dragons, while also representing NSW on 17 occasions and playing 26 games for Australia.
“Billy was a great character and everything you wanted in a Dragons player — tough, competitive, skilful and immensely proud of the jersey,” former teammate and fellow club legend Craig Young said in a statement.
“When you look back on that era, you are talking about some of the greatest names in rugby league history, and Billy belongs right alongside them.
“He gave everything he had every time he played for St George. That is why his teammates respected him and why he remains such an important figure.”
ARLC executive chairman Peter V’landys also paid tribute to Smith.
“Billy was a legendary figure,” V’landys said.
“He was tough, but he was skilful, a necessary combination in the era he played in.
“Norm Provan called him the best halfback he had seen. That says everything about how good Billy Smith was as a player.”
Dragons chief executive Tim Watsford described him as a “revered” member of the club’s 125-year history and said his contributions will stand the test of time.
“Billy Smith is one of the giants of the Dragons, and his name will forever be synonymous with the Red V,” Watsford said.
“He played during an extraordinary period in our history, alongside some of the greatest players the game has ever seen, yet Billy’s achievements and contributions stand comfortably among them.
“Beyond the premierships, representative honours and individual accolades, it was Billy’s way of competing that made him such a revered Dragon.
Billy Smith in action for the Dragons. Fairfax Archives
“He embodied the toughness, pride and determination that generations of players have aspired to when pulling on the Red V.
“Our club is incredibly proud to call Billy Smith one of our own.”
Smith’s standing as a Dragons legend was cemented in 2022, when he was named at halfback in the club’s centenary team.
He was inducted to the NRL Hall of Fame in 2008 and was ranked among the 100 greatest players from the sport’s first century.
The crafty and tough halfback was inducted into the NSWRL Hall of Fame in 2021.
