Profile

George (G.W.) Smith was the first imported player to sign for Oldham in February, 1908. He had been vice-captain of the New Zealand “All Golds” touring team of 1907-08 and joined the “Roughyeds” at the conclusion of the tour. His debut was in a 7 – 5 victory at Central Park on February 19th, when a crowd of over 25,000 turned up to witness the match in which George’s touring team mate, the famous Lance B Todd, played his first match for Wigan.

Prior to his career in Rugby League, George had been a true Union “All Black” on their first tour in 1905 and it was on this trip that he became interested in the “Northern Union” game. Back in New Zealand he was also a champion sprinter and hurdler, as well as being a noted jockey. Already over 30 years old when becoming an Oldham player, he still had much to offer as an attacking winger, three times finishing a season as the club’s top try scorer, with his 1909-10 total of 37 being the fourth highest ever total, which included a try in the 13 – 7 Championship Final victory again versus Wigan.

After nearly a year out of the senior side he came back to play his last game for the club on March 7th, 1914, scoring a try in the 19 – 0 win over Leigh at Watersheddings.
George would again assist the club in the non competitive games played during the First World War and later went on to be the coach/trainer of the team.

In recognition of his fine all round sporting achievement, George was recently installed in the New Zealand sporting “Hall of Fame” and actually had his image portrayed on his county’s postage stamps in 1995 to celebrate the centenary of the formation of the Rugby League.