**The Rise of Ryley Smith: From Schoolboy Cricket to NRL Stardom**
Ryley Smith’s journey to the NRL is one of those stories that remind you why sport is so captivating. The current Parramatta Eels hooker and former Penrith Panthers junior has taken an unconventional path to first grade, one that includes representing Australia in schoolboys cricket before committing to rugby league. Speaking to ABC Sport’s NRL call team, Smith opened up about his unique sporting background, the surreal moments of his NRL career, and his insights into the Penrith Panthers’ sustained success.
### **From Cricket Fields to Rugby League**
Long before he was diving into dummy-half for the Eels, Smith was a promising cricketer. In fact, he represented Australia in schoolboys cricket, a rare achievement that speaks to his natural athleticism. “It was a huge honour,” Smith recalls. “Cricket was my first love growing up, and to pull on the green and gold was something I’ll never forget.”
But rugby league was always lurking in the background. A talented junior, Smith was part of the Penrith Panthers’ system, a club renowned for its ability to develop young talent. The decision to focus solely on league wasn’t easy, but Smith says it was the right one. “I loved cricket, but there was something about footy—the physicality, the team environment—that just drew me in.”
### **Pinch-Me Moments in First Grade**
Making his NRL debut is a moment every young player dreams of, and for Smith, it was no different. His first taste of first-grade football came with the Panthers, the club where he had spent years honing his craft. “Running out for the first time was surreal,” he says. “You grow up watching these players, and suddenly you’re lining up alongside them. It’s a weird feeling—excitement, nerves, everything at once.”
One of his standout memories was playing against some of the game’s biggest names. “I remember marking up against Cameron Smith early on. That was a wake-up call,” he laughs. “You realise pretty quickly just how good these guys are.”
Now at Parramatta, Smith has embraced his role as a dependable hooker, providing energy and reliability off the bench. “It’s a different challenge here, but I’m loving it. The Eels have a great group, and I’m just trying to contribute wherever I can.”
### **Inside the Panthers’ Success**
Having come through Penrith’s system, Smith has a unique perspective on why the Panthers continue to dominate the NRL. Even as players come and go, the club maintains an incredibly high standard. According to Smith, it comes down to culture and development.
“The Panthers have built something special,” he explains. “It starts with the juniors—they invest so much in their young players, not just as footballers but as people. By the time you hit first grade, you’re ready.”
He also credits the club’s emphasis on resilience. “They don’t panic when things go wrong. There’s a belief in the system, in the process. Whether it’s Ivan Cleary or the senior players, everyone buys in.”
Smith points to the club’s depth as another key factor. “They lose big-name players, but the next guy steps up seamlessly. That’s because everyone is prepared the same way—no one is just filling a jersey.”
### **Looking Ahead**
At just 24, Smith’s career is still on the rise. While he’s proud of what he’s achieved so far, he’s far from satisfied. “I want to keep improving, keep pushing for more minutes, more responsibility,” he says. “I’ve been lucky to learn from some great players, and now it’s about taking those lessons forward.”
As for advice to young players dreaming of the NRL, Smith keeps it simple: “Work hard, stay patient, and enjoy the ride. It’s a tough game, but there’s nothing like it.”
Ryley Smith’s story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of good coaching. Whether it was swapping cricket whites for footy boots or stepping up in the NRL, he’s proven that talent, combined with the right mindset, can take you a long way. And if his journey so far is anything to go by, there’s plenty more to come.
