Wellington Firebirds' latest signing is out to make the most of his move north, as he enters the next stage of his cricketing career.
Nathan Smith has already shown his worth since moving from Otago and he hopes to emulate a few others youngsters from the capital who have made the jump to the national side.
Smith's decision to join the Firebirds this season was for one reason.
"This move was purely about growing as a cricketer," he tells Newshub, and the 23-year-old is starting to do just that, already establishing himself as a frontline all-rounder for the team.
"I want to push myself up the order as much as I can with the bat and take opportunities with the ball."
His impact has already been felt throughout the Firebirds - in the field. He's also averaged 30 runs with the bat over his first half-dozen games and nearly four wickets per match
"I feel like I've made good strides already," Smith adds. "Hopefully, we can continue to win games and win titles."
He hopes consistency will help him reach the next level of his career, as he eyes the Blackcaps.
"It's hugely important for me. It's about putting good performances on and being consistent.
"That's all I can really control and hopefully, from there, things happen."
His new coach agrees, predicting a national team call-up, if his form continues.
"As long as he continues that, he's going to push the selectors hard and keep asking those tough questions," says Firebirds coach Glenn Pocknall.
Smith feels Wellington is the place to do that, hoping to follow in the footsteps of new Blackcaps Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra.
"Wellington have great stepping stones in place," he says. "The system they have here, they bring cricketers through."
Nathan Smith hopes he can be the next youngster to make the jump to the next level.
