Smith, who spent five seasons with the Tigers in the National Rugby League, agreed to terms with the Roosters last week and will replace outgoing captain-coach Tom Good, who returned to take the helm in 2001.

Cobar president Shane Carter said Smith’s signing was great news for the club, but was quick to credit the work Good had done in 2001.

“It’s excellent news for us to get someone like Hudson to the club,” Carter said.

“He’s a player with a lot of experience and will be good for us. The talk in the town is already very good and things are looking positive for next season.

“Last season I think that Tom did an extremely good job as coach, considering he was very limited with players.

“I know he hasn’t made his mind up but hopefully Tom will put his hand up to play again next year.”

Smith spent five years with Balmain in the NRL and moved between first and reserve grades, playing mainly in the back row.

He then spent two years in the English Super League before returning to Australia and playing with Burleigh Heads in the Queensland Bundaberg Cup last season.

At 28 years of age Smith is still a young player by Group 11 standards, and after making the Queensland Residents representative team last season still has plenty of ability.

Carter said Cobar were thrilled to be getting not only a tremendous coach, but also a player who will have plenty of impact.

While some clubs, particularly in country areas, struggle to attract top-line talent, Carter said the opportunity for employment at Cobar helped his club’s cause.

“We heard Hudson was available and contacted him, and he came to have a look around Cobar and was impressed with what he saw,” Carter said.

“We’re not a big enough club to be able to offer lots of money, but we’ve got the bonus of being able to offer employment and that was the clincher.

“(Hudson) will be working with a contractor when he comes out here, doing work at the mines.”

Smith will move to Cobar on Saturday and will waste no time in getting the team on the training paddock, planning his first session for the following Tuesday.

Carter said the former NRL player was keen to get the Roosters fit before the Christmas break, and then back into training for the start of the season.

The Roosters are also hoping Smith will help develop some of the young talent currently in the club.

“We’ve got some good young players out here and hopefully he can help bring them on,” Carter said.

“Blokes like lock Luke Jermin, who played Group 11 under-18s last year, will still be with the club and have plenty of potential.

“The young blokes are already talking about playing with a bloke like Hudson and even a few of the older blokes, who haven’t played for a few years, are keen to have a run again.”