Tyrone Smith

CA Brumbies inside centre Tyrone Smith has established himself in the starting line-up this season after making a smooth transition back to rugby from rugby league. The former St Edmund’s student has started in seven of the CA Brumbies’ eight matches and has scored three tries. Brumby Jack caught up with Tyrone during the week to find out how he was enjoying playing rugby again and about the side’s preparations leading into their match against the Sharks.
 
Brumby Jack: Has the transition back to rugby been as difficult as you’d thought it would be?
Tyrone Smith: Yes, it’s been pretty difficult for me just because it’s a different code and it’s taken a while to adjust to a few technical aspects. I’m still learning though and I’m just happy to be still in the team and playing alongside the boys.

BJ: How much easier has it been now that you’ve been in the same position for the last seven weeks?
TS: It’s made the transition easier mainly because I’ve had the same people around me each week like Christian [Lealiifano] and Mark [Gerrard]. It’s definitely made it easier, keeping the continuity while I’m still learning.

BJ: What are you expecting from the undefeated Sharks on Saturday?
TS: We’re expecting a massive game from the Sharks. They’re very physical up front, they have some good ball players and some speedsters out wide. But we’re concentrating on our game and hopefully we’ll be able to get across the line.

BJ: How much confidence have you taken from getting over the try line in the last few weeks?
TS: It’s given me a lot of confidence near the try line but I do get a little bit of white line fever. But I’m always looking to try and do the right thing by the team, and if that means going for the line myself then that’s great.

BJ: And finally you gave CA Brumbies fans a bit of ‘showtime’ with a swan dive over the try line at Canberra Stadium last time out, can we expect anything like that this weekend?
TS: I don’t think so. The boys have been giving it to me and calling me a ‘pork chop’ since then. I thought about doing it in the next game but I think I might save it until we get to the finals.