Wallabies great Stirling Mortlock has backed George Smith to add a new chapter to the legacy he created in Canberra and is adamant the champion breakaway can still be a force in Super Rugby.
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Three years after walking off Canberra Stadium as a legend and farewelling the Brumbies faithful, Smith will make his comeback against the NSW Waratahs on Saturday night.
Mortlock was supposed to join Smith in that farewell match against the Highlanders in 2010, but injury stopped him.
The crowd was littered with Mortlock and Smith masks and the duo were chaired off the field as they ended their superb careers in Canberra. But now Smith's back and, while Mortlock said he won't attempt a similar return, he has no doubt the 110-Test Wallaby can add a winning edge to the Brumbies.
''Obviously it was a bit premature to be farewelling him, he's been such a positive influence on the Brumbies for many, many years and I've got no doubt he'll add a lot of value,'' Mortlock said.
''Hopefully for the Brumbies, he's back to his best. He's always been at his best in Canberra and it will be interesting to see how he goes.
''George is the kind of guy that will be able to cope with the workload straight away. But I am surprised to see him back. It's fantastic to see him here. He's a legend of the game.''
Mortlock and Smith spent most of their careers together.
Smith broke on to the Super Rugby scene two years after Mortlock and they spent a decade playing for the Brumbies and the Wallabies.
It was an emotional night as the Brumbies said goodbye to two of their favourite sons when they beat the Highlanders 31-3.
Mortlock was battling a back problem and couldn't get on the field while Smith played a starring role in the victory. Their careers took different paths after leaving Canberra. Mortlock opted to join new franchise the Melbourne Rebels while Smith went to France and Japan.
''I'm not surprised as much as I'm impressed with the way George has slotted in,'' Brumbies coach Jake White said.
''The things George has achieved in his rugby career are phenomenal. He's won the players' player award here 10 times.
''It's called the Brett Robinson award but it should be called the George Smith award because he's won it 10 times.''
