Cameron Smith an integral part of League
October 19th 2008 09:40
Australian hooker Cameron Smith is a real sincere guy. One can understand if Smith was pissed when his Australian coach made inflammatory comments about him and the way he tackles in a game of league.
Indeed coach Ricky Stuart started the uproar that Smith be suspended for the preliminary final match against, ironically, the Cronulla Sharks - not that it made a difference in the end to Cronulla’s fate.
And it didn’t make a difference to Smith’s character as a true league gentleman.
Sure, he was disappointed he missed out on a Grand Final, more so he had to endure his team get walloped by a record 40-0 margin against Manly.
Regardless, it has not changed Smith and the way he approaches the game he loves. The game that he says he plays ‘with the outmost of integrity’.
Everyone makes mistakes on a footy pitch and there was little doubt in anyone’s mind Smith would be suspended for the two matches courtesy of the Grapple tackle charge.
In first viewing of the tackle, everyone knew he was in trouble.
Deep down Smith knew it as well.
But like the competitor he is, he fought the charge no matter how unlikely the victory.
So things in the end did not work out the way Smith wanted them too.
But when he re-united with Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart, it seemed like nothing had ever come between them.
They laughed and shared their thoughts about life, league and this years world cup which kicks off on Saturday night.
The media were building their re-union as an epic boxing rematch. Nothing like it.
Both Smith and Stuart are professionals of the highest order and they know League is the only business around this part of the world.
All grudges and dislikes were put aside as two of the most colourful characters in the game talked about winning Australia’s tenth world cup crown.
Indeed rugby league’s premier trophy is the only thing on Smith’s mind as he prepares to play footy for the first time in over a month.
A player of his calibre will be aching to make up for lost time in league’s pinnacle event. An event that most people think will see Smith and his Kangaroos lift the trophy.
And Smith would not have it any other way. The Storm captain desperately wants some silverware after missing out on the Dally M player of the year award by a whisker and of course, the Premiership decider.
This world cup represents Smith with a chance at redemption. If he succeeds, all league faithful will witness one of the true leaders of men get back on their feet after such a torrid last month.
Only a few individuals are capable of doing this. Cameron Smith is one of them.
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