Andrew Johns helps troubled Smith on road to recovery
SOURCE: DailyTelegraph
TIM Smith has been urged to stay in close contact with new mentor and league legend Andrew Johns as the troubled half embarks on his final chance at Parramatta.
The Eels yesterday issued Smith with his last lifeline - as well as a fine believed to be $10,000 - as punishment for two drunken incidents last month.
Called before a meeting with team management at Parramatta Stadium, Smith was ordered to undergo regular counselling for his alcohol and mental health problems.
Adhering to a program of community and charity work is another condition of his reinstatement, but Smith has not been prevented from drinking in his free time.
Given Smith has used up his last warning, Parramatta officials are confident the 22-year-old will voluntarily curb his off-field behaviour.
Eels coach Michael Hagan last night said a booze ban was "not discussed" at yesterday's meeting, which also included general manager Greg Mitchell, football manager Andrew Hill and Smith's agent David Riolo.
"I think you could safely say there's not too many chances left," Hagan said. "He came in after the meeting and we told him what was required for him to continue at the club.
"He's been getting professional help in certain areas for some time and we've put some steps in place for him to keep moving forward."
It was revealed Smith had been suffering depression just days after he was suspended on December 14.
The condition also plagued Johns for his entire career and the pair have grown closer since the retired superstar began consulting with Parramatta's halves in November.
Hagan, who became intimately acquainted with Johns' mental demons during his six-year stint as Newcastle coach, is hopeful Smith's recovery will be aided by the playmaker's childhood hero.
"They've already had some dialogue on and off the field," Hagan said. "They had been talking informally - the relationship has already been formed.
"That is part of putting things in place to help Tim make it back."
Smith's return is effective immediately, but he is likely to be absent from full-scale training for some time because of an off-season shoulder reconstruction.
Parramatta physios checked the injury before the suspension was lifted, but Smith had already resumed training.
The exiled Queenslander was spotted running alone on the streets of Sydney's west this week, an effort that helped convince Hagan of Smith's genuine desire to return.
"I've spoken to Tim about what he wants to do, and there's no question that he wants to play footy," Hagan said.
"He's in good shape because of the extra work he's done. I'm confident he will make a good go of it."
The Eels have also reinstated Smith's profile to their website.
As revealed by The Daily Telegraph yesterday, Smith's bio and picture had been removed during his suspension. But both were back online shortly after his return last night.
