Cameron Smith has backed out of a chance to respond to the Alex McKinnon interview on the Nine Network.
The Melbourne and Queensland captain has pulled out of a scheduled interview with Fox Sports which would have provided him an opportunity to respond to the McKinnon controversy.
He was due to film the interview with Parramatta legend Peter Sterling on Friday, but has instead flown to Auckland with his Storm teammates as they prepare to take on the Warriors on Sunday.
Smith came in for some heavy criticism on the 60 Minutes program dedicated to the ex-Newcastle forward last Sunday
An angry Smith turned down an offer by Nine this week to respond to McKinnon’s controversial remarks and maintained his vow not to speak to the network during Wednesday night’s State of Origin series decider.
It came as Wayne Bennett washed his hands of the intensifying storm over McKinnon’s scathing public criticism of Smith.
Bennett made it clear on Friday he had nothing more to add to his comments.
In the hour-long show, McKinnon voiced his anger over on-field comments Smith made following the tackle that left him a quadriplegic in March last year.
Seven-times premiership-winning coach Bennett, who was in charge of the Knights at the time and has coached Smith at representative level, said it wasn’t a true reflection of the Kangaroos skipper’s character.
“He is a good person, he is a decent person, so I have to assume that on the night he just got it wrong,” he said.
But when media attempted to question Bennett over the drama that has unfolded since, the Brisbane coach was having none of it.
“It’s on record what I said, that’s where I’m staying, I’m not making anymore (comments),” he said before eventually snapping at journalists.
“That’s it, it’s over for me.”
Bennett would not be drawn on whether he felt for Smith, who wasn’t granted a right of reply on the program, nor if he thought the relationship between him and McKinnon can be repaired.
It comes as Australian Rugby League Commission chairman John Grant added fuel to the fire late on Thursday, suggesting McKinnon’s heated remarks have caused him to lose some support within the rugby league community.
“If Alex is happy with where he is, we don’t do anything either,” Grant told Fairfax Media.
“It’s hard to imagine Alex – and be very careful in how you interpret this – Alex has the sympathy and empathy of 100 per cent of the rugby league community.
“It’s been shown in every way possible during unbelievably tragic circumstances.
“But where he is at at the moment, he has lost some of that support.
“I don’t think that’s what he would have wanted.”
NRL chief executive Dave Smith and head of football Todd Greenberg have also publicly backed the Storm captain.
pete bloor
Guest
Door's over there mate don't let it hit you on the way out
pete bloor
Guest
The thing that surprised me the most was the level of surprise. does this mean all these NRL fans have been running around believing 60 minutes as some impartial arbiter for years?
E-Meter
Guest
Ha ha. "Don't you hang up on me, don't you............"
E-Meter
Guest
Roy Masters referred to this on Offsiders yesterday. The Storm made many attempts to contact the Knights and McKinnon after the incident, but were waved away. I'm not sure what else they could have done.
Gav
Guest
Emma Emma Emma!!!
sheek
Roar Guru
Cameron Smith has now basically said he will make his peace with Alex McKinnon in private. I'm very impressed, that's class with a capital 'C'.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Not you mate.
Slamming Sam
Guest
Ha.. all good - just very front foot - thought you might actually know him.
Slamming Sam
Guest
I hope he charges a truckload for an interview (after contacting Alex privately)... then donates the money to the Rise for Alex fund.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Everything I say is phrased as if it is coming from a place of authority. I'm not knocking him. He deserves them. But you know he is focused on a legacy
Slamming Sam
Guest
you are taking many attempts to convince us of this!
Slamming Sam
Guest
Do you know Cameron Smith? Or are your quotes about him playing for records and legacy just an opinion phrased as if it is said from a place of authority?
Jay C
Roar Guru
Soooo it's gonna sound like I'm hanging up, but. .............. click
Jay C
Roar Guru
He was talking about cubb,not you freighter. Your comment was ambiguous But i think most people got the gist.
Freighter
Guest
It wasn't a comment... But see above
Freighter
Guest
I'm saying an interview would only benefit 60minutes- therefore, I would doubt smith would want to help them on that.... We are saying the same thing- maybe I didn't phrase my question well....
the Swan Street Stalker
Guest
Yeah they did... A fair few times by the sounds of it but they go that whole "We don't want anything to do with the Melbourne Storm" thing from Newcastle and the McKinnon Family. Which is fine. If they want nothing to do with anyone for the Melbourne Storm that's their decision but to then complain that you have had no contact? Makes plenty of sense.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Too late for that unfortunately. Alex should sack his pr people who advised him in this matter. Someone made a big blue, and totally misread the public views.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Sorry? Please. How do you know? And anyway sorry and five dollars will get you a cup of coffee. Big deal.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Well said Jackson old chap. I'm late to this one and you blokes have said everything I would like to have said. So I will just go with ditto.