Weidler Article on the Brandon Smith Departure in the Age
Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2022 8:55 am
SportNRLNRL 2022
OPINION
Why Roosters-bound Brandon Smith is on the nose with Craig Bellamy
Danny Weidler
Sport columnist
September 18, 2022 — 5.30am
Brandon Smith is a few weeks away from officially becoming a Rooster, but his exit from Melbourne could not come fast enough for both parties.
The man known as “Cheese” is already adjusting his attitude, telling those close to him he knows he needs to lose the blond hair or he will be offside with Roosters chairman Nick Politis from the start.
There may be denials, but Smith had worn out his welcome in Melbourne, to the point where Storm coach Craig Bellamy didn’t even mention his name when paying tribute to departing players during his final media conference of the year following the loss to the Raiders in round one of the finals.
Smith – a New Zealand international and the man once tipped to take over Cameron Smith’s famous No.9 jersey for the long term – was grouped with the “others” leaving the club. Bellamy talked about the departing Felise Kaufusi and heaped praise on the Bromwich brothers, Jesse and Kenny. Smith – arguably the club’s biggest star after Cameron Munster – didn’t rate a mention.
Bellamy has not been keeping it to himself that he was less than thrilled with Smith this season. It began with the white-powder incident following last year’s grand final, moved to the next level after Smith’s swearing and declarations about what a great club the Roosters were on a podcast, stepped up again with his interrupting of teammates’ interviews with questionable language, and came to a head after he called referee Adam Gee a cheat and was banned for three games as a result.
Smith’s day-to-day approach left many at the club unimpressed, so it’s no wonder Bellamy – a stickler for discipline and a lover of players with a team-first attitude – had had enough. In his post-match press conference, hidden among his praise for the Bromwich boys, was a clear message.
“They’ve done unbelievable stuff for this club,” he said. “Especially as they’ve got a bit older as well. You know, they’ve been our leaders this year and it’s not an easy job taking over from guys like Cameron Smith and Cooper [Cronk] and Billy [Slater]. Those sort of guys, the club’s always been their No.1 priority, not themselves, and I think that’s, that’s probably the No.1 trait when you’re looking for leaders.”
Clearly, Smith was not held in that regard by Bellamy.
The Roosters have made a significant investment in Smith. They let grand final winner Sam Verrills go as they guaranteed Smith the hooking role. It’s a gamble on and off the field but, at his best, there is no one more damaging than Smith. It’s going to be a wild ride though.
OPINION
Why Roosters-bound Brandon Smith is on the nose with Craig Bellamy
Danny Weidler
Sport columnist
September 18, 2022 — 5.30am
Brandon Smith is a few weeks away from officially becoming a Rooster, but his exit from Melbourne could not come fast enough for both parties.
The man known as “Cheese” is already adjusting his attitude, telling those close to him he knows he needs to lose the blond hair or he will be offside with Roosters chairman Nick Politis from the start.
There may be denials, but Smith had worn out his welcome in Melbourne, to the point where Storm coach Craig Bellamy didn’t even mention his name when paying tribute to departing players during his final media conference of the year following the loss to the Raiders in round one of the finals.
Smith – a New Zealand international and the man once tipped to take over Cameron Smith’s famous No.9 jersey for the long term – was grouped with the “others” leaving the club. Bellamy talked about the departing Felise Kaufusi and heaped praise on the Bromwich brothers, Jesse and Kenny. Smith – arguably the club’s biggest star after Cameron Munster – didn’t rate a mention.
Bellamy has not been keeping it to himself that he was less than thrilled with Smith this season. It began with the white-powder incident following last year’s grand final, moved to the next level after Smith’s swearing and declarations about what a great club the Roosters were on a podcast, stepped up again with his interrupting of teammates’ interviews with questionable language, and came to a head after he called referee Adam Gee a cheat and was banned for three games as a result.
Smith’s day-to-day approach left many at the club unimpressed, so it’s no wonder Bellamy – a stickler for discipline and a lover of players with a team-first attitude – had had enough. In his post-match press conference, hidden among his praise for the Bromwich boys, was a clear message.
“They’ve done unbelievable stuff for this club,” he said. “Especially as they’ve got a bit older as well. You know, they’ve been our leaders this year and it’s not an easy job taking over from guys like Cameron Smith and Cooper [Cronk] and Billy [Slater]. Those sort of guys, the club’s always been their No.1 priority, not themselves, and I think that’s, that’s probably the No.1 trait when you’re looking for leaders.”
Clearly, Smith was not held in that regard by Bellamy.
The Roosters have made a significant investment in Smith. They let grand final winner Sam Verrills go as they guaranteed Smith the hooking role. It’s a gamble on and off the field but, at his best, there is no one more damaging than Smith. It’s going to be a wild ride though.