Cameron Smith: The referee whisperer

By Tim Gore / Expert

There are two types of rugby league people. There are those who love Cam Smith and think it is a mere formality that he’ll be made an immortal, and those who despise him and believe he is one of the games vilest grubs.

Over the last two weeks there have been two incidents that have led people to claim that Smith gets more than a fair run with the referees; that there is one rule for Cam Smith and another rule for everybody else.

On Anzac Day footage clearly showed Cam Smith touching referee Matt Cecchin. However, he was neither charged or suspended, although Panther Sam McKendry was suspended for handling Jared Maxwell in a very similar fashion just the week before.

Last weekend Johnathan Thurston went to take a field goal attempt that would have levelled the scores in the 75th minute. However, Smith was able to stop him taking the shot. The vision showed that Smith was massively offside out of second marker. It should have been a penalty to the Cows straight in front.

But these incidents don’t necessarily suggest that Smith is the officials golden boy, and they certainly aren’t worthy of earning a player a reputation as a grub.

There have been a number of really bad incidents that Cam Smith has been at the forefront of over the years that have meant that many people hold him in very low esteem. These are:
• The grapple tackle and chicken wing;
• The salary cap scandal; and
• The horrific injury to Alex McKinnon.

In each one of these incidents there has been a devastating consequence. The horror of Alex McKinnon’s injury, and the subsequent fall out, would have taken its toll on Smith (although that is totally dwarfed by the toll on McKinnon and his family). The vision of Smith – who couldn’t have imagined the extent of the injury – arguing against a penalty near the prone body of McKinnon didn’t go down well with lots of people.

The salary cap scandal saw Smith and his club in total disgrace, destroying most of their achievements. The revelation that he had signed two contracts meant that he had to have known that the Storm as an organisation was cheating.

The wrestling moves that the Storm pioneered to slow their opponents play has been roundly criticised as not being in the spirit of the game. Smith’s grapple tackle on Sam Thaiday in the 2008 finals cost him a spot in the grand final. His side lost 40-0, the biggest defeat in a decider ever.

It was this defeat that meant that many, like me, really started to understand just exactly how essential Smith was to the fate of the Storm side. That season, with Smith at the helm, the Storm had beaten the Sea Eagles home and away by a combined score of 42-14. But without him in the decider they were massacred.

Why is he so vital?

Craig Bellamy took over the Storm from Mark Murray and from his first game in charge the 19-year-old Cam Smith was his hooker – and he has been ever since. While there have been many great players at the Storm over the past 14 seasons, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and especially Smith have been the backbone of the success.

They are the three key players that make ‘Bellamy ball’ work.

Bellamy ball is very simple but, when executed properly, it is incredibly effective.

Step one is based on uncompromising forward play that grinds out metres and makes virtually no errors. This season the Storm are the second best for errors a game with just 3.8. In 2015 they were only seven errors for the year from being the best. As well, this season – like many before it – the Storm are the number one metre gaining side in the NRL.

Step two is to kick for good field position and pressure the opposition into error.

Step three is once you have the ball in an attacking position to give it to a player with freakish attacking skills to score.

Step three is Slater, step two is Cronk and step one is the domain of Smith.

Smith is discipline personified. The Storm pack make so many metres because Smith keeps them focused and motivated. They make so few errors because they focus on ball security, only offload when attacking and they get superb service from dummy half from Cam Smith.

The primary job of a hooker is to pick the ball up cleanly from behind the man playing the ball and to pass it precisely onto the chest of the first receiver. This minimises dropped balls and maximises players going over the advantage line. Cam Smith is without peer for this skill. The other essential skill for a hooker is to ensure the defence in the centre of the field is strong.

Ideally, the hooker makes a lot of tackles, misses very few and tries to slow down the oppositions ruck speed. There are none better at this than Smith. And he makes sure his pack stick to this plan as well.

After the round four loss to the Sharks this year, Bellamy said it was the first time in his 14 seasons that his side had been beaten up the middle of the park. They haven’t been since.

The Storm’s defence is superb. This year and last they have easily missed the fewest tackles. Since 2004 they have always had lower than the average line breaks and tries conceded.

Cam Smith is the heart and soul of this. At almost 33 he is only missing 1.8 tackles a game, which is better than all but four of the NRL’s regular hookers.

He certainly leads by example but he’s also the best leader in the NRL. As shown by the grand final defeat in 2008, this is very noticeable when he is absent. Smith has missed just 12 games since the start of the 2011 season. The Storm, who have won 67 per cent of their games during that period, only won 25 per cent of the games in which he was missing. In 50 per cent of those 12 games Cronk was playing. Slater played in four of them. The message from this is that Cam Smith is the essential ingredient in the success of Bellamy Ball.

However, it is not just because he is skillful and has great control of his team, he also knows how to influence the officials. This does not mean he doesn’t get penalised personally. He does. While this season he is ranked eighth for penalties conceded, last season he gave away more than everyone except Ryan James. In 2014 he ranked eighth. So the whistle blowers do ping him.

Further, over the last four seasons his side has conceded bang on the average penalties and they have received slightly less than the average. These stats show that, while the Storm aren’t suffering at the hands of the whistle blowers, they don’t really get a golden run with the refs either.

However, Smith get his way when it counts.

My view is that he often has the referees in his pocket. While he may personally get penalised a lot, he gets away with crucial things at crucial times and he is able to influence the referees to see things his way. He is able to reason with them, to help them understand that the true path of enlightenment is dressed in purple and standing before them.

On Saturday night just past his side were getting pounded in the first 20 minutes. Down 8-0 and being hammered in the penalties, Smith – probably also trying to slow the play down – approached Gerard Sutton and had words with him about the state of the game.

He didn’t swear or get emotive like a Paul Gallen or James Graham might. He didn’t accuse the referees of being unfair like Jake Friend or Johnathan Thurston sometimes does. And he wasn’t easily waved away or dismissed like a Jarrod Croker, Shaun Johnson or Jason Nightingale often are. He spoke his piece. He was listened to.

Shortly after his chat the Storm received soft piggy back penalties which culminated in Tohu Harris scoring. Bellamy’s boys were back in the game.

The fact that Smith speaks so well and calmly, crafting good and seemingly reasonable positions on the spot, is a huge part of his success as captain.

However, he was also talking to a referee who only started in first grade in 2009. By that point Smith had won grand finals, Dally Ms, multiple State of Origin series and was a permanent fixture in the Australian team. To Sutton, Smith has always been a behemoth of the game, especially back when he first got the top grade gig and was just praying that he wouldn’t stuff it up.

Then along comes the charismatic Cam Smith and he just wants to reason with him. “What a decent guy Cam is. Not like those boofheads who try and intimidate me with their physical stature,” he might have thought. It’s an easy step from there to being influenced.

Now consider this. Of all the referees currently running first grade games only Matt Cecchin pre dates Cam Smith in the game. Smith was already a superstar before 90 per cent of them made the top flight. It isn’t surprising they often seem to be putty in his hands.

I believe that rugby league is full of realities like the following.

Sides can give away five penalties in two minutes cynically defending their line – as the Sharks did at the end of their match against Newcastle – and no one gets sin binned.

Lesson: do what the Sharks did.

Players can blatantly and deliberately block chasers from contesting kicks and usually don’t get penalised.

Lesson: block all kick chasers.

In the last five minutes of tight games referees will swallow their whistle for fear of making any decision that could be criticised.

Lesson: You can be offside as hell to charge down a field goal.

Many sides are breaking the salary cap and need to if they are to be truly competitive. However, if you get caught you’ll be crucified.

Lesson: Don’t get caught.

Whether people like it or not it is a reality that Cam Smith regularly gets the referees to do his bidding. Don’t waste your time and effort waiting for the NRL and its officials to make things fair. That isn’t going to happen any time soon. Don’t waste your breath complaining about it. It will make no difference. The lesson you need to take from this is that your team needs a captain like Cam Smith.

Smart, well spoken, charismatic and a simply outstanding leader, player and influencer.

Good luck with that.

The Crowd Says:

2016-09-24T11:02:30+00:00

Where is Melbourne

Guest


Can Smith also pioneered and perfected the 'line' ball. He gets away with forward passes all the time. Now other hookers do it as well.

2016-06-01T15:53:00+00:00

TheANDY

Roar Rookie


Ok now first off your article misses almost every point you try to prove and represents the views by you and a minority For your so called bad incidents Cam was involved in (1) That so called chicken wing made him miss a GF even tho his record was clean he was only suspended because the judicary was pretty much ran by NSW just like it still is and most of the NRL is today. And to prove my point he got handed a two game suspension and of no coincidence there were only two games remaining and Storm played a sydney team in the Grand Final... (2)You and every other so called sports expert/writer/media need to learn the salary cap drama it is not called a scandle when many of other teams have done it since and only received weak cash fines (do your research)... (3) And the Alex McKinnon situation for starters il say what australian media is to scared to say... If Alex did not try to play for a penalty by voluntarily bending his neck to try and get a penalty for dangerous tackle and the tackle was 100% legal same tackle happens every week the only difference players don't bend there necks to milk a penalty. When you see another player try to play for a penalty of course you think there faking so are you suggesting Cameron Smith should have used his xray vision?? Now you forgot to mention a young man in Jordan Mclean was unfairly suspended for about eight weeks for the injury that occurred even tho there was nothing wrong with the tackle..You say McKinnions problems dwarfed Cams but Mckinnion wrongly crucified him on national TV. And no-one involved was brave enough or professional enough to contact him so he could defend himself. You forgot to mention Alex did that after cam raised money for the Alex foundation.... If you are really an expert you should tell the truth Alex seen $$$ and alot of it first the fans raised money for him and the NRL compensated him pretty well then when all was said and done he was still considering suing the NRL sounds like a nice guy... Now you only mentioned three incidents and said hes seen one of the games vilest grubs. Now a grub is people like fifita and Josh Reynolds people that do something dirty almost every week. More proof NRL should be called the National New South Wales Rugby League... only a year or two ago Josh Reynolds stuck his leg out to trip two times in the one city v country match but the judicary wanted to let him off because they thought NSW was going to select him.. Then the year Storm played eels in the Grand Final why was Jarryed Hayne allowed to play even tho the match before he Headbutted someone and he was let off because NSW were in the GF and they wanted there best player to play You talk about cheating how about when the NRL (David Gallop)would'nt allow Greg Inglis to re-sign for Melbourne Storm for anything under his market value even tho i think it was the manly decided to take paycuts so they could keep the same roster.. And with the salary cap Storm wanted to take them to court but were told not to by Melbourne Storms then current owners New limited which should be a conflict of interest as its parent company News Corp have shares in other clubs Brisbane Broncos Ltd (68.87%) and pull strings in the NRL. How about the Eels getting looked after even tho they had a systematic scam ohh wait thats right there a NSW team. i think its a disgrace people like you get payed to dribble us garbage and your whole article is based around your own bias views and thoughts and in noway are any of your points have fact you only sound like a butt-hurt fan if you are going to try and comment about things you know nothing about go to research and tell whole storys not just what you want people to hear to try and sway people like yourself who dont no the full story or the truth about the situation and only see your article of bias comments and your own thoughts and beliefs P.S Your got a good scam going getting payed to know nothing and say he controls the refs.Proves that you dont need university or paper certificates to be a sports expert or in media you just need to know what your talking about and sadly you dont...

2016-05-20T08:15:55+00:00

Vikus

Guest


Yeah, he is going to hang out with you after this stitch up. You said he signed two contracts. Show me proof of that? That was just media embellished stories. Try reading the actual report. You are just the typical Non Storm supporter, who has been smashed by us year after year after year. And i have had to listen to the tears and whining of, year after year after year. Face it, if we weren't so damn successful, you wouldnt care. Jealousy is a curse.

2016-05-20T04:07:28+00:00

Dan

Guest


Interesting you missed a Cowboys player standing in front of the play the ball as a blocker for the Thurston, which is illegal.

AUTHOR

2016-05-19T23:56:59+00:00

Tim Gore

Expert


Antoni, Thanks for dropping by to visit "Tim's page for rehashing hacks trying to pass as journalists." Like Craigo below, I'm guessing that you didn't actually read the whole article and have just assumed what is written past the first paragraph or two. A few things: You meant to say "you're" - as in "you are" - not "your." The use of "your" is suggesting that I own a "serious" (whatever that is), with the subsequent question mark seemingly enquiring as to its welfare and/or current whereabouts. Secondly, you attribute to me the statement "One of the games vilest grubs." While it is correct to attribute those words to me, it is a partial quote that does not express my sentiment correctly. I didn't level that accusation. I did not make that statement. I said, "There are two types of rugby league people. There are those who love Cam Smith and think it is a mere formality that he’ll be made an immortal, and those who despise him and believe he is one of the games vilest grubs." I did not plant my flag in either camp at that point. The article then goes on to dissect Cam Smith - his history, his game (both of which do feature unsavoury incidents - whether you choose to acknowledge that or not - that cause some to ascribe to him grub status), his statistics - and look at why he has been so successful. It then ends with, "The lesson you need to take from this is that your team needs a captain like Cam Smith. Smart, well spoken, charismatic and a simply outstanding leader, player and influencer." I would have said that this would have seen my flag firmly planted in the "those who love Cam Smith and think it is a mere formality that he’ll be made an immortal" camp. I hope this addresses your concerns Antoni.

AUTHOR

2016-05-19T23:32:03+00:00

Tim Gore

Expert


Craigo, Here are the dissections of Gallen that I've written: http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/07/03/gallen-standing-cronulla-collapse/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/03/12/much-evidence-require-sharks-players-attacking-genitals/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/07/10/rugby-leagues-disrepute-xvii/ Here is another argument where, like this article, I'm clearly pro Cam Smith: http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/08/28/cam-smith-best-captain-nrl/ Apologies if you think I'm rehashing tripe. Can you please provide examples where my warts and all - yet clearly very pro Cam Smith - sentiments have been done previously? Can I ask at what point did you think that this piece was anti Cam Smith? Did you read the whole thing or did you stop after the opening paragraph, assuming the rest? And when you say "you guys" are you assuming that I'm a NSW supporter? I, like Steve Mascord, don't really care about Origin. I used to many moons ago. I don't now. I support neither side. Back in the 80s I went for NSW but that abruptly ended when there were more Raiders in Maroon than sky blue. I would never cheer against Steve Walters, Gary Belcher or Mal Meninga. Never. My ambivalence further increased during the Super League wars when Laurie Daley was replaced as captain of the Blues by Fittler. My disenfranchisement continued with the legendary 'Fire Up' night where the players were given thousands of dollars to go out and 'bond.' Dreadful phone messages were left and players caught buses home. Then there has been the total disinterest brought on by the 8-peat, the ludicrous ticket prices and taking the games to non league markets to make money - which is the primary goal of origin. I'm from neither NSW or QLD. I'm from the ACT. It is neither. We are the least represented voters in the land. We have less political representation than any other people in the country and people presume that we actually run the place! But that's another issue. But to summarise: 1. this is clearly a pro Cam Smith piece. I am very pro Cam Smith. I'm not sure how you got the idea that I wasn't if you read the whole argument. I challenge you to find the pro Smith arguments I've made written elsewhere - so not sure where you are getting rehashed from (unless of course you didn't read it and are assuming what I've written) 2. I've written a bit on Paul Gallen. While I do admire his game, he's not my favourite player. 3. I'm neither a NSW or QLD supporter. 4. I couldn't care less who wins Origin. Not one bit. I'm a heathen who misses the fights and Roy and HG calling it.

2016-05-19T12:04:05+00:00

Squirrel

Guest


2nd biggest grub behind josh Reynolds. Who is behind and loves the crusher tackle and chicken wing

2016-05-19T11:50:49+00:00

craigo

Guest


I now feel it necessary to soon read the rightful reply to this article asserting the case for the other candidate for the "Vilest grubs in rugby league" award, the New South Wales captain Paul Gallen. Its only fair, and in the spirit of Origin hate porn which was pioneered by the balanced and ethical team at 60 minutes. The debate and ensuing forensic examination of all Pauls perceived indiscretions would be riveting. Honestly Tim, bring something new to the table, this old rehashed tripe is quite frankly a bore. See you guys in June.

2016-05-19T08:04:46+00:00

Steve from down south

Guest


John W putting up a 60 minutes interview is as about as creditable as asking tobacco companies about healthy options after their attempted story in Lebanon.

2016-05-19T08:01:59+00:00

Antoni

Guest


Goodness me, this passes for journalism in rugby league? "One of the games vilest grubs". Cameron Smith, your serious?

2016-05-19T07:54:36+00:00

Steve from down south

Guest


Tim and Will the wrestling tactics weren't pioneered by Melbourne they were already in the game, Melbourne just perfected them and used them more effectively than everyone else. As for the second contract, if my boss came up to me and said " things are going well we can afford a few extra bucks here is a new contract" I would sign it because I really don't know and don't want to what my work mates are getting paid.

2016-05-19T07:42:11+00:00

Benedict Arnold

Guest


When I look at Cameron Smith, I see a guy who hasn't been blessed with the frame or athleticism that we often associate ourselves with in the modern rugby league era. He isn't imposing physically, but in every other facet of the game that he can compete in he is maxing out all he can to be the best he can. Whether it is manipulating the refs, making 62 tackles or dropping a field goal, I don't think I have seen anyone except for JT who manages to get every ounce of ability out of himself and do it for the full 80 minutes. The bloke is a dead set winner and after watching him for the better part of a decade, I don't think we will see anyone dominate the game at dummy half as consistently and as complete as he has. He sure does draw a lot of ire from people in the community and people despise him because he is that good. But I think he will go down as one of the guys that gave off a good image for rugby league. He is a clean skin off the field and is well spoken in the media and is a responsible father. Sometimes when I see some other league players get interviewed I cringe at the embarrassment of it, but smith is always well spoken and respectful. No wonder it is easy for the referees to be easily manipulated, they probably feel like Cameron is the only one of the captains that give them any respect. Other captains: take note!

2016-05-19T05:34:49+00:00

soapit

Guest


yes john, my follow up comment is following on from my post. yoou seem to be getting on the right track with that tho im sorry if the length has contributed to your continued missing of my point, dont fear it, im sure youll get through it quite easily if you make a little effort.

2016-05-19T05:18:02+00:00

Marvel

Guest


I usually defend him but cant defend him for trying to defend his players when that Newcastle player injured his spine - totally uncalled for BTW Nine network sponsoring womens netball - why not womens RL...

2016-05-19T04:54:54+00:00

John

Guest


I was responding to your funny comment Soapit, not the story. Thanks for the long response though.

2016-05-19T04:53:39+00:00

jimmmy

Guest


That's a pretty sensible comment TB. It's good to see someone who appreciates how good this guy really is. He's no angel for sure but a list of great Rugby League players that were is a pretty short one.

AUTHOR

2016-05-19T04:45:50+00:00

Tim Gore

Expert


Well, I'm clearly more cynical than you. But I'm consistent. I believe most, if not all sides, bend and/or break the salary cap. The Storm were crucified for it when they were caught.

2016-05-19T04:45:47+00:00

soapit

Guest


as i said below tim im not here to prosecute crimes. i dont feel strongly about the validity of those premierships either way for the history books. just making the simple (i would have though) point that captaincy is a lot easier when you have a better team than is available to the opposition.

2016-05-19T04:44:06+00:00

S T Ruggling

Roar Pro


Players have been suspended for far less. Ever since he missed the 08 Grand Final he might as well be untouchable when it comes to the judiciary

2016-05-19T04:41:17+00:00

soapit

Guest


john you seem to have not followed the post. im glad your misunderstanding has brought you some happiness tho. the whole post was about him being captain john. as such i didnt think it necessary to then specifically state that the wc win and others was as captain. apparently i was wrong. now that i know you are following things i'll try and restate the point every sentence or two so it doesnt get forgotten.. i have no qualms anyone counting the premierships in question but the fact is that due to salary cap exceedance they had a better team around him than other captains were permitted. i actually dont think its a stain on his record. just dont consider it as evidence of good captaincy. origin he wasnt captain for all nine and since being captain (with the far superior team by all accounts) he has done ok with 3 series from 4 with no whitewashes (quick count admittedly, feel free to correct). fact is when on a level playing field he hasnt done had better results than any other captain. im sure he has lots of individual accolades as do many players. i never said he wasnt a good player.i said his record as captain isnt particularly impressive when not surrounded by players who are considerably better than the opposition. with only 1 premiership at club level under those circumstances its not looking too likely he'll retire with the record for most premierships as captain which is kinda the relevent one here if you want to bring records into the discussion. tho admittedly this is on the past. i hope that got through then and with your new understanding of what is being discussed (and the passgae of a little time) will have reduced your impulsive reaction to lash out and insult me because of my different opinion to yours. perhaps try focusing on the point and present some relevent facts as a counter.

More Comments on The Roar

Read more at The Roar