He played for Western Suburbs, Balmain and Parramatta in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition.
It wasn't until 1957 that Smyth made his next first grade appearance when he joined Balmain that year.
Smyth played in the clubs gritty 7-5 victory over his former club Balmain in the preliminary final but cruelly missed out on playing in the grand final due to an injury as St George won their 6th straight premiership 22-0.
In 1963, Western Suburbs reached their 3rd straight grand final against St George.
In 1963 and 1964, Smyth was selected to play for Australia and featured in two tests against France.