Smith, Darren

Darren SMITH [Player Stats]


+ Submit additional information or a correction to this player




Smith Returns To Haunt Tigers
Sun June 10, 2007
by Queensland Rugby League
Source: www.qrl.com.au

Former Tigers legend Darren Smith returned to crash the party for Easts on the weekend, as he helped direct Ipswich to a 36-6 spanking of his old club at Langlands Park.

A member of the Jets' all-star coaching line-up, along with Kevin Walters and Glenn Lazarus, Smith stepped up his involvement this week while head honcho Walters was absent with State of Origin commitments.

The task was no easy one for Ipswich, carrying heightened expectations and facing an Easts side that had won well the previous week.

On a personal level, Smith also had the peculiar circumstance of returning to the club where he was a player and chief executive less than a year ago.

"It was a big day there at Langlands. The Past Players' Reunion was on and there were a lot of people I knew in the crowd," Smith noted.

"There were guys from my very early days starting out at Easts, but unfortunately for them I came with a job to do and that was to beat them.

"We won in all three grades as well and it's been a long time since Ipswich beat Easts like that."

Smith wasn't the only ex-Tiger to come back in enemy colours. Speedster Donald Malone and forward Trevor Exton posted three tries between them, lining up against their 2006 teammates.

The nature and magnitude of the win was largely unexpected, even accounting for Ipswich's great recent form.

Ipswich led 24-0 at halftime and then 36-0 before allowing the home side the last try of the contest.

"I'm more than pleased. (The players) are a good bunch of blokes who, most importantly, are playing consistent footy," Smith said.

"That's what we've been trying to drum into them more than anything. You can't afford to play really well one week and not back it up the next.

"From where we were at the start of the year?well I was just hoping we could compete. But the team has clearly performed above expectations."

The latest victory came with several players battling the flu and fullback Ben McFadgean only arriving at the game shortly before kick-off. McFadgean, who missed a game recently due to a car accident, was again stuck battling traffic.

For Easts the result means a spectacular drop from third to sixth on the table, while Ipswich ranks only behind North Queensland and Redcliffe.

Next week Ipswich plays the ABC Match of the Round against Norths at 2pm at North Ipswich Reserve on Saturday. Easts visits Rockhampton on Saturday to face the Central Comets at Browne Park at 7.30pm Saturday.

IPSWICH 36 (Donald Malone 2, Ben McFadgean, Luke Walker, Chris Walker, Trevor Exton, Ricky Dodd; Chris Walker 4 goals) d EASTS 6 (Isaac Kaufmann try; Justin McKay goal) at Langlands Park.

News sent by: www.qrl.com.au


Bulgarelli, Smith, Allen Bolster Tigers
Mon March 27, 2006
by QRL Media
Source: QRL

AN UNBEATEN record. The end of a five-year hoodoo. Darren Smith back. Jason Bulgarelli back and Marty Allen set to resume his place among the black-and-golds as well. Needless to say Easts coach Michael Booth had plenty to smile about on Sunday.

Snapping one of the most frustrating runs in competition history, the Tigers found the edge over Burleigh for the first time since March 2001, clinching a 16-4 win at Pizzey Park in Round Three.

In five successive nail-biters against Burleigh, Easts had lost 17-16, 36-34, 28-26, 26-14 and unforgettably surrendered the 2004 grand final 22-18 in extra time.

Any margin would have been fine by coach Booth this time around, so long as it was a winning one.

The day started with a shock for the Tigers mentor, informed by text message that chief executive Darren Smith would be turning out for the clubs reserve grade side in the FOGS Cup.

Smith, 37, had previously signalled he would retire, but instead shaped up against a Burleigh reggies team that included the similarly ageless Tony Priddle.

Booth said it would be a see how she goes situation as to whether Smiths comeback would last and at what level he would play.

The hits kept on coming as Booth then revealed Easts had secured the signature of controversial ex-Canberra Raider Jason Bulgarelli. Bulgarelli previously featured at Langlands Park under old coach Graham Herlihy, where he regularly played centre in representative squads.

In a move that has been mooted for some time, Marty Allen has also resumed training with the club, having taken extensive time off to pursue business interests.

The problem for Booth will be where to slot back-rowers Smith and Allen, given the likes of Mark Cantoni, Steele Retchless and Marcus Jensen have been among the clubs best performers thus far.
|
Booth has more than once offered his opinion that North Queenslander Cantoni is capable of playing consistently at NRL level.

Theres a lot that have gone to the NRL with half his ability, Booth said on the weekend.

Hes as good a runner as he is a defender and is just a natural athlete. Being 26 thoughunfortunately a lot of NRL clubs wont look at you unless youre 18 or 19.

Blokes like Mark can give you three or four quality years straight away. Theyre not development prospects.

The next chapter in Easts intriguing season is at home to Redcliffe next Saturday. Burleigh will aim to recover from successive losses when it faces Norths on Sunday at Bishop Park.

====================================================================================================== 2006 Wizard Queensland Cup Easts Tigers ====================================================================================================== 2005 NRL Telstra Premiership Brisbane Broncos 16 games; 4 tries, 16 points. [View] Round 7 [23 Apr 05] W 16-12 v Sharks (A). [LK] 4 Pts; 1t (52nd) [View] Round 8 [29 Apr 05] W 38-12 v Sea Eagles (H). [LK] 4 Pts; 1t (5th) [View] Round 9 [08 May 05] W 35-28 v Bulldogs (H). [LK] [View] Round 14 [11 Jun 05] W 20-12 v Raiders (A). [LK] 4 Pts; 1t (58th) [View] Round 15 [18 Jun 05] W 40-22 v Tigers (H). [LK] [View] Round 16 [26 Jun 05] L 18-30 v Warriors (A). [LK] [View] Round 17 [03 Jul 05] W 22-10 v Sharks (H). [SR] [View] Round 20 [22 Jul 05] L 22-29 v Bulldogs (A). [BE] [View] Round 21 [30 Jul 05] W 24-18 v Raiders (H). [BE] [View] Round 22 [07 Aug 05] L 20-21 v Sea Eagles (A). [BE] [View] Round 23 [14 Aug 05] L 4-24 v Dragons (H). [SR] [View] Round 24 [21 Aug 05] L 20-22 v Panthers (A). [SR] [View] Round 25 [26 Aug 05] L 10-17 v Roosters (H). [SR] [View] Round 26 [02 Sep 05] L 14-28 v Eels (A). [SR] [View] Finals Week One [10 Sep 05] L 18-24 v Storm (H). [SR] 4 Pts; 1t (42nd) [View] Finals Week Two [18 Sep 05] L 6-34 v Tigers. [SR] ====================================================================================================== 2004 NRL Telstra Premiership Brisbane Broncos ======================================================================================================

Advanced Search