New Zealand rugby league great Garry Smith, a member of the 1971 Grand Slam Kiwis side, has died aged 84.
A talented second rower and prop, Smith played 16 tests for New Zealand, making his debut in 1966, and played his final season in 1971 as part of a historiccampaign.
Smith’s early years were spent representing the small town of Runanga and the West Coast region. Later moving to Wellington, he joined Marist and won two premierships with the club in 1965 and later in 1971. In 1965, he also featured in the North Island representative team before earning selection for the Kiwis the following year.
Smith first began his test career playing in two defeats to Australia in 1966 and toured Australia the following year, taking the field in 10 of the 17 tour games. The following year Australia and New Zealand co-hosted the Rugby League World Cup, with Smith playing in all three Kiwis group games. Smith was also part of the Kiwis squad at the 1970 Rugby League World Cup in Great Britain.
Across 86 days in 1971, the Kiwis played 26 matches in Britain and France, six of them tests, becoming the first New Zealand team to win a series in the United Kingdom when they beat Great Britain 2-1. They also won the France series 2-0.
Smith finished his career playing 55 matches for New Zealand, scoring three tries in his 16 tests.
Towards the end of his career, Smith became a key member of the Kāpiti Bears Rugby League Club and the Wellington representative side.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences and thoughts to Garry’s family, friends, teammates and all whose lives he touched throughout his community,” a New Zealand Rugby League release said.
“Garry will be sorely missed, but he leaves behind his contributions to the black and white jersey and the game of rugby league, that will be remembered forever.”
