Smith was named Most Promising Player of the Season at Cardiff Blues end of season awards this week, having made 14 appearances and scored two tries in a superb breakthrough campaign.
He is the first to admit that his opportunities in the centres would have been far more limited were it not for the injury to Cory Allen.
But having shown he can cut the mustard in the Guinness PRO12, Smith is desperate to keep on working hard and show he can be the Blues' key man in midfield despite the return of Allen and arrival of Willis Halaholo.
"For myself personally this season has been really good, especially since Christmas," he told Cardiff Blues' official website.
"I didn't expect this much rugby with Rey (Lee-Lo) and Cory (Allen) in front of me, and the likes of Gavin Evans as well.
"But they have supported me through this and I'm really happy with the way it has gone. It's sad what happened to Cory with his ankle but it was an opportunity for me, I took it and did the best I could.
"This year has been good for me and hopefully I can take that into next season. With Willis coming over it just adds to the competition and it's exciting for Cardiff Blues.
"It will be my first proper pre-season with the Blues so I'm really looking forward to it. There will be a lot of hard work through the summer but hopefully that will pay off next year.
"For myself I want to get that starting spot again and hold onto it, be as competitive as I can and as a team hopefully we can carry on this momentum, continue to build and get into that top six and even top four."
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