While disappointed at Brisbane missing out on Cameron Smith, Sam Thaiday predicted that the man he would have replaced as Broncos hooker – Andrew McCullough – would usurp the Melbourne skipper on the representative front.
Thaiday could not hide his disappointment after the Test, Queensland and Storm captain announced on Tuesday he had signed a four-year contract extension, tying him to the Storm until the end of 2018.
Brisbane appeared to be a chance of snaring Smith as early as February after tabling a multi-million dollar deal.
While ex-Broncos skipper Thaiday rued Smith’s call, he believed his club already had a Test and Queensland hooker-in-waiting in McCullough who helped inspire their NRL season opening 18-12 win over the Bulldogs.
“If he wanted to come here that would have been fantastic for our club,” he said of Smith.
“But at the end of the day we have a great No.9 here in Andrew McCullough.
“He was man of match on Friday night and players’ player, and he is a young player who is only going to get better with age.
“I am sure at some stage he will be taking over that No.9 jersey from Cam in the Queensland and Australian sides.”
Asked whether he was disappointed about Brisbane missing out on Smith, Thaiday laughed: “We have enough old fellas here.
“I am lucky and blessed to be in the Queensland and Australian team with him.”
Another keen to have been reunited with Smith was Brisbane forward Todd Lowrie, who played in the 2012 NRL grand final win at Melbourne.
“It’s disappointing that he is not coming to Brisbane,” he said.
“It would have been nice to see him up here but congratulations to him for being in Melbourne for his whole career.
“I know first hand what a great place it is and Smithy is the centre of that club.
“It would have been a shame for rugby league if he left but good for the Broncos – I wish him well.”
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