The Kiwi mentor could look no further than Smith in that department, with him having played more Super Rugby Pacific minutes this year than any Australian lock while sitting third in the competition for tackles won (189) and conceding just 10 turnovers.
The club have also not conceded a mauling try this year, while Schmidt appears set to name only players based in Australia for the July series against Wales, before considering the likes of World Cup second-rower Will Skelton for the Rugby Championships later in the year.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will be on the lookout for consistency in his forward pack.Credit: Getty
“I’d be massively honoured if a Wallabies’ opportunity came up, but I’m really focused on the next couple of weeks with the Reds,” Smith said.
“I’m focused on finals at the moment, and I think that the higher honours stuff really takes care of itself if you play good footy.
“I’m not too worried about doing anything different outside of my game to please anyone else other than our Reds coaches.”
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Smith’s re-signing news comes on the same day as teammate Josh Flook inking the same deal.
Since being brought into the Australia A camp last year, the 22-year-old has embarked on a breakout campaign – cementing a reputation as the “everywhere man” for his knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Coincidentally, it was the centre who scored the match-winner when the Reds conquered the Chiefs in round three: the leading chaser for an off-the-cuff long-range grubber by Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.
A path to a Wallabies debut has also opened up, given the season-ending injury to Jordan Petaia (shouder) and the expected absence of World Cup alumnus Izaia Perese ahead of his move overseas.
Flook’s formidable centre partnership with Reds “triple threat” Hunter Paisami could also work in his favour.
Josh Flook has turned in a career-best season for the Reds, and has re-signed until the end of 2025.Credit: Getty
“Australia A was obviously a very big accomplishment for me last year. Just being around some older heads like Bernard Foley taught me a lot about how he goes about his game, how he prepares for a game and how I can look into how I prepare,” Flook said.
“The dream’s always there, it’s been there since I was four years old. But I’m going to focus on putting in good performances for the Reds and making sure the team goes well.
“If the team goes well it’s a better opportunity that most of our boys will get that opportunity.”