OLDHAM RL’s close ties with Super League's Leeds Rhinos have provided another quality youngster.
Oldhamer Barrie McDermott, head of youth development at Rhinos and one of this town's most famous rugby league sons, is the man behind the link.
"He is responsible for the development of the young kids at Leeds," explained Oldham boss Tony Benson.
"He is very impressed with Smith and thinks he has a big future. He believes time at Oldham will form an important part of his development.
Full-time, and a member of the first-team squad at Leeds, Smith stands 6ft 3in and weighs 17st 8 lbs.
Pontefract-born, he learned his early rugby with Castleford amateurs Lock Lane before joining the Leeds academy as a 15 year old.
He will be strongly considered for his Oldham debut against Rochdale Hornets at Whitebank on Sunday.