If things had gone a bit differently, Lindsay Smith might be preparing for the Sheffield Shield season rather than the NRL grand final this week.
The rangy Penrith prop had been a talented fast bowler in his youth, inspired by the Australian cricket team’s dominance under captain Ricky Ponting.
With his electric pace and familiar mop of blond hair, Brett Lee was a particular hero to Smith, who was picked in state representative sides during high school.
The future premiership-winning forward even crossed paths with future Test captain Pat Cummins at awards nights for the Penrith Cricket Club.
“I probably had a photo with him, but he wouldn’t remember me, that’s for sure,” Smith told AAP.
At 16, Smith had been in the Panthers’ system for two years and was offered the chance to play for the side’s Harold Matthews Cup team in the 2016 season.
The budding young paceman had a big decision to make.
“There sort of came at a time around 15 or 16 where I really had to pick one (sport), because they (the seasons) start to overlap, especially with ‘Harold Matts’ and SG Ball starting a lot earlier than normal footy,” he said.
“I decided to focus on footy. I didn’t give cricket up fully, just had it on the backburner.”
For Smith, the call was a question of basic maths.
“To play in the NRL, there were 16 teams of 17 players each week. To make it in cricket, you’ve got to be in the best 12 in your country,” he said.
“It’s definitely tough to make it in the cricket space. I thought footy was my best opportunity, and I guess that’s why I took the opportunity.”
The 24-year-old keeps up with his cricket, though a run of shoulder injuries has curtailed his pace.
Smith had a double shoulder reconstruction as an 18-year-old, which was also the trigger for him to pack on size in pursuit of his rugby league dream.
“The shoulders don’t move as they used to, when you stop it over a long period of time,” Smith said.
He’ll head out for a nets session with a mate sometimes, and like all true cricket nuffies is particularly keen on watching Test cricket over the summer.
“It’s usually throughout the pre-season, so it’s something to look forward to on the dark days,” Smith said.
“I watch a bit of Big Bash and obviously the T20 and one-dayers, but Test cricket is probably the one I most enjoy.”
Before then, Smith and the Panthers’ middle forward rotation are tasked with containing Melbourne’s pack in pursuit of four consecutive NRL premierships.
Smith is disappointed the Panthers won’t have the chance to test their mettle against Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona, suspended from Sunday’s decider for his high shot on Lindsay Collins.
“Obviously you don’t want to see anyone miss a grand final through suspension or injury, but that’s the game unfortunately,” Smith said.
