Preparation, professionalism has defined ‘greatest Highlander’
Ben Smith and Nasi Manu know as much about Aaron Smith as anyone. The Highlanders greats, both now part of the team’s wider staff, tell why their little mate is so special.
BEN SMITH
‘‘He’d be the greatest Highlander we’ve had. Just so committed.
‘‘His preparation and how he plays and the influence he has on others around him — for me, that’s what has defined him.
‘‘I remember when he first came down here and he was in behind Jimmy Cowan. He had to wait a wee bit to get his time, and when he got his opportunity, he took it with both hands.
‘‘I consider myself really lucky to see first hand as he came through with the Highlanders and into international rugby, and to see the things he does that influence a team.
‘‘It’s also around his point of difference, and the speed of that pace and his vision. He’s changed the game. Before he came on the scene, we had physical halfbacks, but Nug came in and changed the way the game was played to be more about speed and skill.
‘‘He’s also got one of the best rugby brains in the game. He is so effective at getting people to work and fit in with the system of any team, and that’s been a gamechanger. He has also got alongside the young halfbacks to make sure he is passing on his knowledge.
‘‘We formed a pretty good relationship on the field but getting to know him as a person, and a family man, has been massive over the years.
‘‘My favourite memory of him? Hard to go past the 2015 final and the energy he brought to that and how he helped bring this club a championship.
‘‘We will miss his competitive drive. He would do anything to win, and his preparation reflects that. We will miss his ability to spark a game. People will go with him, and he can ignite an attack out of nothing.’’
NASI MANU
‘‘I feel Aaron has just been huge for the Highlanders. He’s just a legend.
‘‘It’s special to have been in his era, to have been part of the Highlanders with him, because of his professionalism and the way he approaches his game.
‘‘He’s just a perfectionist. I’ve never seen any player in my career with that much commitment to his craft.
‘‘He’s a halfback so he was always good at chatting on the field. All 9s love to talk. He was a really good general and good for us forwards — he demanded a lot for us and always pushed us.
‘‘I just felt like you could always trust that he would be there. And his pass was just amazing.
‘‘Aaron has always been a lot of fun. We had some great times off the field. He’s a funny guy — we’ve always had a good laugh. He is great to be around.
‘‘He’s a big loss. But we’re all feeling that it’s been awesome to be a part of his journey.’’