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.”
Sleemo
Guest
McCullough's lucky Ballin is a lot older than he is. Ballin would have played a hell of a lot more than one Origin if he'd not happened to be in Smith's era. He's the Stuart MacGill to Cam Smith's Warne. But history is littered with players who can lay this claim so, so be it. People tend to forget McCullough is not a natural hooker. He's a recycled half who, having played five-eighth through almost all of his junior career, was transformed by the Broncos into a hooker because they couldn't offer him a realistic spot in the halves because of Lockyer and to a (much) lesser extent Wallace. Given the Broncs' well-documented difficulties in finding a half, it's not hard to wonder how his career might have progressed if he'd remained in the halves? He's turning 24 this season.
TGGOA
Guest
Simple, Granville is a better player and Segyaro has more ability in his little finger than McCullouch. He may have nearly 140 games but he plays like its his first game of under 13s every time, cant help himself. Like I said, hes good, just not that good. I forgot about Srama, he goes alright too.
dallas
Guest
How can you rate him below granville? Macca has played nearly 140 games, old mate has played about 3 off the bench. Segyaro would be good off the bench as an impact player but I dont think he is a better 9 than friend or mccullough just yet. I think srama could be better than all of them if he gets a good run with injuries
dallas
Guest
Ballin is six years older than friend, macculough and segyaro.
TGGOA
Guest
I hope not, I rate him behind Smith, Ballin, Friend, Segyaro, Jake Granville and Anthony Mitchell. He's good, but not that good.
Don
Roar Rookie
McCulloch isn't even the best hooker at his club. Hopefully Jake Granville gets his chance to show he deserves to be a first grade hooker. Or else he should pack his bags and go somewhere else that needs one. He is wasted in Q Cup with Wynnum when I see some of the NRL teams like Canberra and Newcastle using utility players in there. McCulloch is miles behind Friend, Ballin and Segeyaro. It would require Wayne Bennet coaching the Broncos and being a QLD selector to see him play for QLD.
Sir Jamie Lyon
Guest
Yea silly article. Ballin is,twice the player this guy is. But by all means the blues can use all the help we can get
PNG Bronco fan#88
Guest
Only if Jake Friend and James Segeyaro both move to Super League when Cam Smith gives it up. Otherwise highly unlikely, and from his career so far Andrew is way down the pecking order for the QLD 9 jersey.