despite having a disappointing year with the cronulla-sutherland sharks in 2011, smith was again chosen to represent new zealand in the 2011 anzac test and 2011 four nations. after a successful start to year with the sharks, smith was selected in the 2012 anzac test. on 26 september 2012, smith signed a three-year contract with the newcastle knights starting in 2013 to rejoin his former dragons coach, wayne bennett. he was released from the final year of his sharks contract due to personal reasons. he was named the new zealand rugby league's 2012 player of the year.