"He's a tremendous player, probably No1 in the world in his position but it's also his on and off-field presence," said Furner, "and what he gives the young kids, that sort of experience and guidance."
While Sheens has rested Billy Slater, Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston during the group stage, he's started Smith in all three. Smith shares games with Robbie Farah but the coaching staff feel the skipper's calming influence is crucial.
Meanwhile, Pat Richards lined up for Ireland against Australia but Furner says the winger could have easily been in the green and gold.
Richards, 33, helped Wests Tigers to the 2005 NRL premiership but has now spent seven years with Wigan in the Super League.
The switch to the UK effectively ruled him out of representative selection but Furner said there was no doubt Richards had the talent.
"I have no doubt; he can play wing and centre and picked up a Man of Steel [as Super League's player of the year in 2010]. That's a tremendous effort," Furner said of Richards, who will return to the Tigers next season.
"He obviously made an impact there and the Super League competition is a very good one because we see players who come and then go back to the NRL so that just shows you the standard."
- AAP