Timothy Smith and Bipolar Disorder

Timothy Aiden Smith (born 13 January 1985 in Runaway Bay, Queensland) is an Australian professional rugby league player for Wigan Warriors in the European Super League. His usual position is half-back. In 2005, he won the prestigious Dally M Rookie of the Year award after leading the NRL in try assists. He also received much acclaim from Parramatta legend Peter Sterling, who "handed over" the Eels #7 jersey in an episode of The NRL Footy Show in the middle of 2005. Tim has been touted as the most naturally skilled halfback in the NRL with the ability to land precsion kicks and passes with incredible accuracy. With 40 try assists in his debut season Smith entered the NRL scene with a bang, he was labeled as the next 'Joey' and 'Sterlo'. Experts agree that Smith was the most hyped player of the last decade, with the gun playmaker expected to own the Kangaroo's and Queensland No. 7 jersey for many years to come.

Wigan Warriors announced in June 2008 that they had signed Tim Smith for the remainder of the 2008 season and 2009.

Smith linked up with his new teammates in July once his work-permit has been approved, after weeks of visa complications. He played his professional debut for the club in a home loss to the Huddersfield Giants, although the mental illness that had ended his season for the Parramatta Eels and lack of match fitness did produce some concern about his ability to play rugby league in Europe's top-flight competition, which was reflected in the terms of his contract to the Wigan Warriors, despite his claims that his bipolar condition was now under control.

In December 2005, Tim Smith was allegedly involved in a street scuffle with a man in the inner-Sydney suburb of The Rocks. He denied any such action and no charges were laid.

In December 2007, further allegations of public drunken behaviour were made against Smith.

Smith was suspended indefinitely by the Eels. He remained on contract with the club, and Parramatta stated the most important issue was his health. Smith booked himself into full-time rehabilitation interstate. On 8 January 2008 the Parramatta Club reviewed his behaviour at the rehabilitation clinic and lifted his suspension but he was subject to a number of sanctions which included a fine and charity work.

Early in the 2008 season, after just three games of football, Smith advised his club and team-mates that he was suffering from bipolar disorder. He then gave a statement to the media saying he had been given an indefinite leave from football, saying he was having trouble coping with the constant criticism from the media.

Tim returned to his family in the Gold Coast, with the aim to rest and recuperate with the aim of returning to professional rugby league in the future.

If you enjoyed this page, be sure to visit Famous People with Bipolar Disorder.