In probably the quietest media build-up since Origin was born, what do we get?
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Surely, in 2015, we deserve a better and more investigative media than this.
Smith, the current Queensland and Australian captain, warrants a far greater mention going into a State series opener than this tawdry, spiteful scoop.
I thought it was disgusting and demeaning to one of league’s greatest ever players.
It was pretty much designed to hit a few nerves and generate much-needed clicks in a church-quiet Origin entree to date.
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» PRICHARD: Maroons to win Origin 1
But Smith did not deserve to have that published about him, and never will.
He will simply shrug it all off. Water off the champion’s back. He’s the ultimate class act.
From where I sit, New South Wales (or at least, its mainstream media) is sounding petty and desperately nasty as the hours tick by leading to tonight’s Origin opener.
Both the Blue and Maroon camps virtually closed ranks last Friday. The media chooks have been given nothing: nada, zero, nought.
No grog fests to report; no missed curfews; no-one of note saying anything and, perhaps most importantly for the modern breed of journos – zilch doing on social media.
So what can the Daily Tele do when there are no bullets to fire? Easy.
Just launch a scathing, unwarranted attack on one of the best rugby league players we have ever seen, dragging up an unfortunate incident – an accident – from a recent Storm clash with Souths in which no action was taken during or after the game.
After widespread media pressure, Smith was charged with dangerous conduct by the Match Review Committee, but pleaded guilty to ensure he would be clear for the Origin opener in Sydney.
The Tele pretty much said Cameron Smith is way, way worse than Public Enemy No 1.
I feel it’s all wrong and I don’t like it one bit. A slow news week and some stoop to this.
I’ve been a part of the media for more than 30 years, (and I even worked proudly for The Daily Telegraph) but I don’t like the way it is presenting ‘news’ today.
I don’t care for it at all. We wake up to this ill-informed and malicious dross.
This columnist has never claimed that Cam Smith is a rugby league cleanskin. He is no angel and probably would never want to be labelled in that fashion.
The brilliant No. 9 plays the game hard and tough and often does what he can to extend its boundaries.
But he does not intentionally kick opponents in the head because they may, or may not, be threats to his mantle as the world’s premier hooker.
*****
May I also say that I arrived at my computer fully prepared to nut out a preview of tonight’s big one but I think the run of play will be pretty predictable.
The Blues will graft, claw and maybe even bash their way to half time but that will only be stalling the inevitable.
In my opinion, NSW lacks the creativity from their halves to manufacture the number of points needed to trouble Queensland.
The Maroons will weather a ferocious, physical storm for 40 or 50 minutes before they settle into rhythm and play the type of football for which their Ferrari backline is known.
Cronk and Thurston will be lethal and don’t be surprised if debutant Michael Morgan stars from the bench.
I believe he is a very special player in waiting. He can play anywhere and will revel in the jump up in class.
Maroons by 16.
Tim Prentice
Expert
That's OK Phil. Forgiven this time.
Tim Prentice
Expert
Thanks scoop. That added a lot of depth.
Tim Prentice
Expert
Close but no cigar. Sadly. Like them on special occasions.
Tim Prentice
Expert
Thanks Daveski: Now is good to be Nostra. Hope you submit a similar comment next game! PS: Qld 16-10 in Melbourne.
Tim Prentice
Expert
pjm: I do not 'deify' people. If you do not regard Cameron Smith as one of the best of the modern era, you cannot be helped.
Peter P.
Guest
Agree with every word, and you turned out to be on the money in everything but the score and it could easily have been your prediction.
Casper
Guest
Andrew Johns? how does the self confessed drug user get on the list as superior sportsman? JT had his moments early in his career on or off the field, the beloved Freddie Fittler spent time in the clink when found incoherent on a median strip etc. etc. I'm happy for Cam Smith to be a role model for the NRL, solid family man and loyal club servant who doesn't bring the game into disrepute. Using possible salary cap issues as ammunition to bag an individual seems a bit off, why not crucify the officials. Inglis had the boat but ask Souths supporters if they think he's been of poor character.
Casper
Guest
Brandy "I'm from NSW" Alexander having a crack at the Qld captain, heaven forbid. Guess the pillars of NSW society are happy to have a captain who tried to rip at stitches of an opponent in a club game, got busted for illegal substances, tweeted foul language about the NRL hierarchy and is clearly an all round likeable person as opposed to that Melbourne underworld identity, Cameron Smith. Your NSW captains are interesting characters, Gallen the super grub replaced by Robbie Farah, the architect of the downfall and sacking of his club coach who then needed to take "stress leave" because he was portrayed exactly as he deserved. One thing I did like last night was the reaction of Woods to the alleged lifting (incorrectly ruled) tackle when he just smiled and got on with it. Oh no, I'm starting to actually like him a bit. Glad to see Trent Merrin lived up to his $700k a season reputation, best paid bench player outside of the US NBL.
Casper
Guest
Luke invented the career ending cannonball tackle and deserves absolutely no sympathy for any treatment he gets. If he'd got out of the rquck or the ref had given a penalty as he should have, we'd be talking about something else. Good to see that Gus went quiet early in the second half when he twigged the big boppers weren't having an impact. Gotta love Gus, he always knows when Qld are gone or out on their feet. Glad he keeps calling the Qld spirit a myth, helps build morale North of the border.
Daveski
Guest
You're looking like Nostradamus right now Tim
GTW
Guest
It took 3 tackles before Smith had his elbow into Tamou's neck on the ground, maybe he isn't a saint.
GTW
Guest
Smith has a lot of influence over the refs, he can get away with lots of stuff mere mortals can't. Bellamy would take this as praise, and maybe it is acknowledgement of how good he is. I don't think shutting your eyes so that you don't know you're hitting someone is a defence. You can feel it, you're doing it. It's a pity when champions resort to low blows, as they're good enough without it. Leave that stuff to Greg Bird or Justin Hodges. Please don't ever support the stopping of club football for SOO, I could care less about tonight's game, although I will watch it and it has next to no chance of being as bad as the Tiger/Cows game.
GPR
Guest
That's not the entire NSW media, just a boozehound who loves the Sharks and hates the ARLC
The eye
Guest
He did it for the same reason Hindmarsh chased Ennis..JT headbutted Josh R. and Gillett put his fist in the face of the same player...niggle/sledge..but he did it knowingly.... Courier Mail online backpage today 'Taking out the trash'..just by the way..
JB
Guest
I'm not a huge smith fan but comparing him to Reynolds is ridiculous, Reynolds as far as grubbery goes is on a whole other level, and is not smart about it,
pjm
Roar Rookie
I hate people who deify people. Smith is just another person and he can cop it with the rest of us as I'm sure he'd prefer.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Wow thanks for the stats con. Judging off his demeanor you'd have to think most of his suspensions would've fallen under the 'careless' category, rather than reckless. But that's certainly a merry band of misfits on that list.
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
I agree with Scott's assessment of the Tele except for the comment that they have "gone backwards this week". I'd say the Tele went backwards decades ago when guys like Peter Frilingos, Tim Prentice and Greg Prichard were replaced by "journalists" like Rebecca WIlson and Phil Rothfield. They replaced real sports writers with rumour mongers.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Keeping one step ahead of the officials with new wrestling moves designed to hurt or injure another player, might be smart. But it doesn't mean you aren't dirty.
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
Hi Epi, Jason Stevens was and still is a nice guy, but he is also ranked 5th in the NRL's most suspended player list. During his career he had a total of 26 weeks off suspended (equal with Adrian Morley). Nice guy but he saw more of the judiciary than most players. 1. John Hopoate -- 45 weeks 2. Luke O'Donnell/Craig Smith -- 32 weeks 3. Greg Bird -- 29 weeks 4. Danny Williams -- 28 weeks 5. Jason Stevens/Adrian Morley -- 26 week