Rugby League World Cup: Tanner Stowers-Smith ready to write his own Kiwis chapter

When Tanner Stowers-Smith makes his Kiwis debut this weekend, he will carry a rugby league legacy dating back three generations.

The Warriors front-rower is the great-grandson of former New Zealand captain Pat Smith, a legendary name honoured every year with the biggest prize in Canterbury Rugby League - the Pat Smith Trophy.

Smith's impact was felt far beyond his exploits on the pitch.

He was also an administrative powerhouse, founding the Marist club, serving as Canterbury Rugby League president as well as stints as a coach and selector.

Despite being born 23 years after Smith's death, Stowers-Smith knows exactly how respected his great-grandfather was.

"My granddad and dad teach me a lot about his history and the sort of player he was. For me to be able to represent my last name in the same way that he did, it's an amazing feeling."

Known for his uncompromising style, Smith famously wore a face brace while playing with a broken nose on a tour to Australia in 1948.

Instead of offering protection, it would act as a target for Australian enforcers.

"He was a tough bugger, they used to bind him up in the scrums and beat the life out of him.

"That was my biggest takeaway from him as a player, he was just tough as nails, and he represented that jersey at 100 percent, which makes it even more special."

Now 75-years since Pat Smith's last Kiwis appearance, Stowers-Smith is set to make his Kiwis debut in the city he grew up in.

The Kiwis will play their second Rugby League World Cup match against the Cook Islands at Te Kaha Stadium on Sunday.

"It's something I've always dreamed of and being a proud Christchurch boy, it would mean everything to me to be able to play in front of my family and my friends and the city that raised me, to be able to put that Kiwi jersey on would be, I've got no words for it."

Stowers-Smith is set to make his Kiwis debut in the same city his family was made famous.

Just 13-years-old when the devastating 2011 Christchurch Earthquake struck, it is set to be an emotional homecoming for Stowers-Smith.

"Seeing the city being rebuilt, especially the area I'm from, which is now looking really nice. The council is starting to really invest in all the broken homes. So to be able to bring everyone together like rugby league does, especially in Christchurch, it's great for the community."

Rugby league is deeply entrenched in the Stowers-Smith whanau.

His grandfather Peter trialled with the Kiwis and played for the South Island while father Aaron played for the local premier side.

"There's quite a rich, deep rugby league background within that side, so I'm just looking forward to being able to represent them as well."

Unfortunately, Peter is unlikely to make it to the stadium to see his grandson make his international debut.

"He's pretty sick at the moment. He's battling right now. He's struggling to get up and walk around, so I'll try everything we can to get him there, but he's not in very good shape."

But whether sitting in the stands, or watching Tanner on TV, Peter will be part of the occasion.

"It would obviously be an honour for him to be there to watch me play if I get out there. I know if he can't come, he'll be watching at home with my nana. So, he's definitely in the back of my head and definitely want to have a big one for him."

It will be a proud moment for a proud rugby league name, as Stowers-Smith adds his own chapter to the legacy on Sunday.