Smith (28), the Highlanders fullback and captain, is all ready for another Super rugby campaign, his seventh since he first played for the Highlanders in 2009.
He could be excused for not getting that excited to play for the Highlanders this season.
There is the lure of the black jersey later in the year and the not-too-insignificant World Cup in England, come September-October.
But Smith is concentrating on what is happening in front of him.
''It's good to be back with the team. Me and the other guys were back here training while the rest of the guys were in Aussie.
So it's good for them to come back and we can train as a team and get back among it,'' Smith said.
''We have just been working really hard, just doing the best job we can here. If you play the best rugby you can for your franchise then that will work into the All Blacks later in the year.''
''But I'm just thinking about the Highlanders at the moment. Obviously, it's a big season. But if you think of the World Cup you'll just get tripped up.
''It is always exciting when the season kicks off. We've had a bit of a false start with the bye but I'm really looking forward to it.''
Smith said no plan had been hatched on workloads the Highlanders' three All Blacks would have during the Super rugby.
''It hasn't been decided yet. I know me, Aaron [Smith] and Maka [Malakai Fekitoa] are keen to go right from the get-go.''
The goals for the side were week to week, just backing up and improving every match.
If the side did that, enjoyed some wins and made the playoffs, then it had to be satisfied.
Smith comes off a busy couple of months, getting married to long-term partner Katie Menzies last month in Wanaka.
''We had a good time up in Wanaka. Good weather and the wedding went well. It was a really good day.''
Smith and his wife are due to have a baby in about three weeks.
