Career Record for Featherstone
Appearances			Tries	Goals	Drop Goals	Points
Total	Start	Sub
166	154	12	70	23	0	326

At the beginning of his career, fans never knew which jersey Ian Smales would appear in, such was his versatility. Wing, centre, stand-off, second row and loose forward were all positions he occupied during his Rovers career and it was only in his last two seasons at Featherstone that he settled into the pack. The son of former Rovers loose forward Tommy Smales, Ian was BARLA's Player of the Year in 1987 and signed for Rovers from Lock Lane in April 1987. He played in the second row upon his debut at home to Rochdale in September 1987 but was soon alternating between backs and forwards. He scored his first try, at centre, against the Papua New Guinea touring team on 11 October 1987 and by the end of the season he was fulfilling the promise shown. Whatever position he played, his natural football ability and skills ensured his adaptability.

Ten tries in 1988/89 confirmed his try-scoring potential and he added 11 more in 1989/90. On 5 November 1989, he played at stand-off against Bradford in the Yorkshire Cup final as Rovers again suffered defeat by 20-14, but he switched back to the second row towards the end of the season. He crowned many impressive outings with a storming display in the league fixture with Bradford in April 1990, which probably clinched his selection for the 1990 Great Britain tour of Papua and New Guinea. He made seven appearances on the tour, scoring one try, and although he did not play in any of the Tests, it was an enriching experience.

His imposing progress continued in 1990/91, when he headed the club try-scoring list with 19 (playing mainly in the backs). An impressive debut for Yorkshire v Lancashire on 18 September 1991 was crowned with his try which secured a 17-12 victory. The Rovers were in trouble however, and dropped to the Second Division at the end of the season. Smales contributed to the way back in one season as he scored his best season's total of 22 tries and 14 goals in 35 appearances. Crowned as Second Division champions, the Rovers finished the season in style, winning the Divisional Premiership Trophy against Workington by 20-16, with Smales scoring in the preliminary rounds against Ryedale York and Dewsbury. He was now back in the second row and the final was to be his last game as he was transferred to Castleford in August. He did return briefly in 1997 to play in 4 games.  His versatility in positions matched his versatility in play. He was a strong runner, quick off the mark, tackled well and was a capable touch and goal-kicker.

Biography by Ron Bailey