The transition from rugby league to union is rarely a straightforward one. Over recent years there has been a stream of players who have fancied their chances of successfully converting from one code to the other – only to discover that it’s a dammed sight harder than it looks when they get there.
Certain players have managed to replicate their league form for their union clubs; while others have struggled to live up to the hype, forcing them to make their way back to league with their tails between their legs.
The latest player to prematurely call time on his career in rugby union is London Wasps’ Lee Smith. Hailed as a “quality player” by the club’s director of rugby Tony Hanks last summer, the 22-year-old arrived at Adams Park as a hugely exciting prospect – his stunning performances for Leeds Rhinos earning him widespread recognition.
But a combination of homesickness and a less than convincing start to his rugby union career has prompted the youngster to leave Wasps.
The likes of Andy Farrell, Henry Paul and Iestyn Harris all famously struggled to make the switch from league to union, despite forging huge reputations for themselves in rugby league; and Smith has now become the latest in an ever-growing list of players to fail to adapt to his new surroundings.
The 22-year-old ended up making just two senior appearances for the Guinness Premiership club, which has led to questions over whether he should have waited longer to settle in to life at Adams Park.
Higher wages and the opportunity of commanding sponsorship deals have lured league players away from their first sport into union in the past. That’s not to say that money was the sole motivation behind Smith’s move to the Premiership; but had his time in the top-flight been more enjoyable, you’d have to wonder whether the youngster would still be content with the odd phone call or email to keep in contact with his family and friends in West Yorkshire.
There is an underlying view among groups of rugby union supporters that league players are best avoided. However, ask those fans whether they’d have taken Jason Robinson in his prime or Northampton Saint’s Chris Ashton right now and the response would be unanimous.
It can work. There have been examples which prove rugby league players aren’t always a huge gamble. It just requires the wannabe-converts to have a willingness to learn a new trade, along with good coaches who can help complete the transition.
Unfortunately for Smith, mismanagement appears to have played a big part in his early departure from Adams Park. The full-back was putting the hours in, training day-in day-out, eagerly awaiting more chances than he was given by Hanks and his coaching staff. Although Smith could have waited longer, Wasps should have acted sooner and put more faith in their new asset.
The images of Smith watching on longingly from the replacements bench against Leeds Carnegie last month sum up his brief spell in the Premiership – a wasted opportunity on Wasps’ behalf.
But Wasps’ loss is undoubtedly Leeds Rhino’s and rugby league’s gain. It’s been announced this morning that Smith will rejoin his former club on a four-year deal, just in time for Thursday night’s derby against Bradford.
It’s been an amicable separation, but one which was entirely unnecessary in the first place - a total waste of time for all parties concerned.
Smith’s story shouldn’t deter rugby league players from switching codes; but if may put off a few Premiership clubs from scouting the Super League for that unearthed union gem in future.
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