Smith knows there will be sceptics, but said: “There’s always a risk. Everyone will have their concerns. Roosters fans probably think [I was a risk] now. But I’m not worried about them. I’m only worried about what I can do for Souths.

“I want to repay Wayne. He put a lot of faith in me. Obviously, there’s the story with Redcliffe [Smith backflipped on a move to the Bennett-coached Dolphins to sign for the Roosters in 2021].

“That is probably playing a part in me wanting to get the best out of myself for Wayne.”

Vision of a smiling Smith running freely at training emerged on Thursday. Smith hopes to make his return against his former club Melbourne in round 16.

Smith, whose locker-room neighbours include Mikaele Ravalawa and Bud Sullivan, said he did not care if he plays dummy-half, lock or prop. Hooker Peter Mamouzelos is out at least six weeks with a dislocated elbow, while Jye Gray offers a stop-gap dummy-half solution off the bench for at least the next month.

“It’s team-first mentality – I’ll play where’s best for the team,” Smith said.

Latrell Mitchell posted footage to Instagram of he and Smith embracing before training. Smith famously mocked Mitchell during a game against the Storm in 2022, but the pair quickly moved on, and later became friends as they both experienced their share of headlines.

The prospect of a fit Smith, Mitchell and Cody Walker combining in the spine will give Souths plenty of firepower in the back half of the year.

As for playing with Mitchell rather than against him, Smith said: “I have lot of time for Latrell. He’s misunderstood in the media. I know the real Latrell and what he brings. He’s a match-winner. Hopefully he brings the best out of me, and I can bring the best out of him.”

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Bennett recently said of Smith: “We have a few big personalities here, so he won’t be out of place.

“I’m sure they’ll get along well. We’ll make that happen. He’ll be wanted here. We’ll welcome him with open arms.”

Should Souths defeat the Wests Tigers on Sunday evening, they’ll enter next week’s bye round with a 6-5 record, an amazing effort considering the injuries they have had to start the year.

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