While Jeremy Smith didn’t get a win in the final home game of his NRL career, he came off the field with a smile on his face and a swarm of supporters to greet him.
“It was a shame about the result, but we left it out on the field and that’s all I ask for from the boys,” he told Knights TV following the post match ceremony.
With Smith becoming an Old Boy next year, it was fitting that his final match at Hunter Stadium was on Old Boys Day, and that he was presented with his playing jersey by Clint Newton, who played alongside Smith on Old Boys Day last year.
"I love Old Boys Day. I’ve played in a couple of them and I reckon it’s a great concept,” he said.
“The boys get up for it and it’s really touching when you receive your jersey from past players.
“I got mine from Clint Newton and it nearly brought a tear to my eye.”
The sheer number of people that stayed behind after the final whistle was indicative of how Smith has conducted himself as a player and a person over his career as well, as he spent nearly an hour talking to fans, signing memorabilia and getting selfies.
“I sort of proclaim myself as a Novocastrian now, and it was just giving back to the fans after what they give to us,” he explained.
“Week in and week out they turn up, and it’s what the Club is built on.”
It’s not over for Smith just yet though, as the Knights prepare to face one of his former clubs in the St George Illawarra Dragons at Kogarah this Saturday to finish off the 2016 season.
“I’ve got to get recovery done, and I’m looking forward to getting into the Dragons next weekend,” he said.
