By Alan Nicolea -
December 11th 2008 @ 1:36am
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Loading ...Stress free living key to Smith’s decision
Cameron Smith’s agreement to stay at the Melbourne Storm for a further four seasons will do wonders for his confidence after finishing season 2008 on a disappointing note.
Smith missed the record 2008 NRL Grand Final loss to the Manly Sea Eagles and was also a member of the Kangaroos side that lost the World Cup final to the Kiwis.
But after recently becoming a father to daughter Jada earlier this year, Smith thought it would be best to remain a Storm player until 2012 – despite significant interest from Queensland club, the Gold Coast Titans.
In terms of his football career, it was the right decision to make.
The reason why the Storm have become the juggernaut they have over the last three seasons invariably lies in the lack of media attention their superstar players receive.
The Storm play in AFL heartland, and while they do not get the recognition they deserve, their players would not have it any other way.
It allows the likes of Smith, Slater, Inglis and Cronk to live a relatively normal life, while their AFL counterparts draw the majority of media attention.
This, in turn, allows the Storm players to focus only on their football and the goals they have in mind for the coming season.
Indeed, playing League in Melbourne is also a great career pathway for those that have had off field troubles in the past.
Michael Crocker was a prime example of how calm life can be in Melbourne when playing in the NRL for the Storm.
Although he enjoyed success at former club the Sydney Roosters, Crocker was more often than not embroiled in too much controversy, which enhanced his reputation as a league bad boy.
His three year stay at Melbourne, however, which began in 2006, saw Crocker evolve into a decent human being who was finally free of the lingering pressure that the Sydney media can bring.
Cameron Smith’s decision to re-sign for Melbourne is heavily based on the factor of privacy and normality.
The current Queensland and Kangaroos hooker just wants a controversy free, successful football career with his family by his side.
With all this, plus a $2.5 million dollar contract playing alongside the likes of Slater, Inglis and Cronk, Smith’s decision to remain at the Storm really was a formality just waiting to happen.
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Billo said | December 11th 2008 @ 6:58pm | Report comment
It will be interesting to see whether the Storm’s profile increases when they move into their new stadium.
Their existing ground is so antiquated that it’s hard to enjoy the experience of watching them, but my friends in Melbourne tell me that the Storm’s profile is certainly growing.
Alan Nicolea said | December 11th 2008 @ 8:01pm | Report comment
Billo
With the star roster they have, the Storm are bound to grow in popularity in Melbourne. Indeed their new stadium will help a lot aswell. Re-signing their captain and having the golden boot winner in the side also adds to the growth.
LK said | December 12th 2008 @ 7:48am | Report comment
It will be interesting to see how the Storm keep all their stars under the salary cap. Inglis is signed up to a long term deal and now Smith is too. But what about Slater and the other rep players?
Alan Nicolea said | December 12th 2008 @ 10:41am | Report comment
LK
Slater is signed up for the long term aswell. They have also signed NZ international Waringi Koopu for next season (forgive the spelling of his first name).
Considering they lost a lot of talent this season, the Storm have considerable room to accomodate their roster of stars.