Newcastle coach Rick Stone has come to the defence of Cameron Smith over his handling of the Alex McKinnon tackle, describing him as a “decent fella”.
The Melbourne and Queensland captain was blasted by McKinnon during a television interview on the Nine Network’s flagship news and current affairs program 60 Minutes for arguing with the referee as the Newcastle forward was taken from the field with a serious neck injury last year.
The tackle left McKinnon in a wheelchair and he said it was “f***ing ridiculous” that Smith made the point with the on-field officials that the Newcastle forward had contributed to his own injury.
McKinnon was also angry that Smith had failed to contact him since the accident in March last year while McKinnon’s father Scott described the Australian skipper’s actions as unforgivable.
Stone, who was assistant coach of the Knights at the time, told the Newcastle Herald that Smith was a good person and predicted he would have acted differently had he known the extent of McKinnon’s injury.
“I’ve known Cameron since he was 19,” Stone said.
“He’s the Australian captain, he’s got a lot of credibility in our game.
“I can understand Alex and his family being angry about the situation.
“If Cameron had his time again, he might have done a few things differently and maybe Alex might do the same. But it’s a really tough scenario.
“I think deep down everyone in the game knows Cameron’s a pretty decent fella.
“Alex is a champion bloke, as we know, and he’s a little bit frustrated and angry at the moment, and he should be.
“I didn’t take particular notice of the footage but maybe if Cam had his time again he might have shown a bit more respect if he understood the circumstances.”
Jara W
Guest
But in all seriousness I fully support a Ch9 boycott. Darius Boyd style interviews before, during and after the match. That might even be more than they deserve. Pick someone off the street, put them in a jersey, and tell them to offer "no comment" to every question. This has taken the shine off the game for me a bit now.
Jara W
Guest
I'm afraid if you watch the Today Show that you might already be a lost cause. There's no reasoning with these sorts or people. Let's just focus on making sure you are wearing pants when you leave the house this morning.
Bulldog
Guest
Could not agree more - using both these guys (Alex and Cam) in this way to bolster rating and sensationalise a tragedy like this is deplorable.
Roarsome
Guest
#saynoto9 Don't tolerate this rubbish journalism from Channel 9. It's damaging Alex's and Cameron's reputation and dragging our great game through the mud. Let's hit 9 where it hurts. Turn off 9 News and TODAY. There are good alternatives on other networks. Please share.
Phill
Guest
Cam Smith understanding the circumstance as best he could at the time said exactly the same thing as the commentators, why are they not being held to account as well, because it is a dirty dirty grubby muck raking from NSWRL and Channel9 using Mickinnon as Origin Cannon fodder, shame on you NSWRL you have stooped to the lowest of lows ... The following footage clears his name and he can have a clear conscience https://www.facebook.com/NRLmemesandnews/videos/1020407267992333/ May Mckinnon have fortune smile upon him for the rest of his life. He can be angry, and lash out, it is part of his healing process. But for NSWRL and Channel9 to use that for Origin games is just despicable.
Johnnyball
Guest
If he understood the circumstance. Good call