Smith, 23, spent six months working in a ski resort before jetting back in April – five weeks into Warrnambool Seahawks’ campaign – to play with Sobey, one of his close mates.

“I was going to stay a full year but Sobes messaged me telling me to come back and play,” he said.

“It was a good opportunity to play with Sobes. It might not ever happen again.”

Smith is providing the second-placed Seahawks with spark off the bench, averaging 15 minutes as a relief guard. He is a motivator off the court too.

“I love stirring the boys up. Anyway to help being on the bench, like talking and trying to keep the mood positive, making sure everyone is having a good time,” Smith said.

Smith, who plans to return to Canada in the near future, said he was starting to find consistency in his own game.

“I had a slow start. I missed a lot of the pre-season, so it took me a little bit to get my fitness back,” he said.

“I got back at the end of April and starting training then, which was interesting.

“I wasn’t expecting much. I am just happy to be put in the side and pick up a few extra minutes when I can."

Warrnambool plays its 2015 finals conqueror Latrobe City Energy at Traralgon on Saturday night.

The Energy, coming off a grand final series, sits sixth on the 15-team table.

“On a long road trip we want to give it a crack,” Smith said.