At the beginning of the season, I promised myself that I wouldn’t fall for any rugby league clickbait.
Is it too early to admit that I’ve failed, after reading an article about Cameron Smith promoted by Fox League?
The outlet reported that there was widespread criticism of Smith by key administrators across the game following his comments that the season should be postponed given the evolving COVID-19 situation.
Smith made these comments after the Storm’s win against the Sea Eagles, stating that what is happening globally right now is bigger than rugby league and has an impact which is more far-reaching than just the players.
When did it become cool, as a rugby league fan, to disagree with everything Smith says? Every time he does or says anything, he seems to be criticised.
One of the most challenging parts of the ongoing situation is that it is touching every part of society. Things we love like sport, the arts and social gatherings are being cancelled for the foreseeable future.
These things bring joy, so in an already grim global situation, it is challenging to find the silver lining.
At the time of writing, the NRL has committed to playing Round 2, despite the potential that a player or staff member associated with one of the clubs contracts the virus.
While a small part of me is thrilled that I have rugby league for at least one more week, the bigger part of me recognises the ongoing risk associated with this position and the ask on our players to keep playing.
The Warriors have been away from home for over a week. How are their families juggling their various commitments without the support of husbands, fathers, brothers and sons?
It could be a nightmare season for the Warriors. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
There have been talks about moving the competition to Townsville or Darwin. Is it fair that we ask our players to be away for so long?
It isn’t just about the players either, it is the many support and coaching staff who travel with the team too.
How many have elderly people in their lives? Or those with a compromised immune system? Is footy worth the risk?
Some club bosses have spoken about the financial impacts suspending the season will have and criticised Smith – who is nearing the end of his career – for not thinking about younger players.
Of course, there is a huge economic risk associated with what is going on now. But rugby league is not the only sport or industry impacted.
The value of the travel and entertainment industries have essentially been wiped overnight. Casual workers and freelancers are in precarious situations. There is fear of a global recession and many people are worried about their jobs.
What would have been useful in this situation is money put to the side for a rainy day. I wonder whether the NRL has any of this, given the recent announcements about surpluses.
Some have suggested that the angst over Smith’s comments is that he has outwardly disagreed with the position publicly communicated by the NRL.
Since when do we slam players for having the courage to speak out openly and honestly? Maybe don’t answer that.
(Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
My bigger question is where is the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA)? Their voice should be one of the loudest at the moment.
Surely Smith is saying what many others feel – maybe even what some junior players are too afraid to say. I find it hard to believe that the players are all united in continuing the competition.
Addin Fonua-Blake fronted training on Tuesday wearing a face mask. He won’t be the last player to do this, particularly as cases across the country rise.
My hope is that the RLPA is liaising closely with our players and is in close conversation with the NRL about the ongoing situation.
Potentially, should the NRL continue, might we give players an option as to whether they would like to keep playing or not?
But for the moment, let’s lay off Cameron Smith.
Because there is no rugby league without our players and clubs, and the health of our players and the people at our clubs has to be the priority.
These are unprecedented times and I don’t blame anyone for wanting to look after their family first.
Smudger
Guest
All players sign for less than they ask for.
Smudger
Guest
Selective memory like most people who mis-quote Smith. He actually said any player that plays 300+games at a single club should have a discount of some sort from the cap.
qwetzen
Roar Rookie
No worries jimmmy. You're well ahead of average Sinney mouth-breather.
Tony
Roar Guru
No matter how many games he plays or competitions he wins, Cameron Smith will always be defined not only as a salary cap cheat, but also for his part in the Alex McKinnon incident.
JGK
Roar Guru
Sir Cameron Smith. Has a nice ring to it...
Pablo_eire
Roar Rookie
I'm guessing you were one of those people a few weeks ago saying it was just a flu? You clearly have no idea of the problem if you think we'd be better off not taking precautionary action ... not a clue.
Touchline
Roar Rookie
Cameron's NRL
Greg
Roar Pro
IMO Ennis' on field behaviour is on par with Smith, Burgess on the other hand... I agree with you, so i'll leave him out of my reply. The difference between Ennis and Smith is that Ennis when off the field owned who he was on the field. Smith does not. This is what rubs me (and i'd assume others) the wrong way with Smith. Add that he is the face of a club that has repeatedly done wrong by the game (for lack of a better description). Like his refusal to own his on field actions he refuses to acknowledge Storm indiscretions. Now I doubt that he was aware of cap rorting, but he has only ever spoken of how he still feels they 'won' the premiership in those years. He went along with the clubs 10 year celebration of those 'winning premierships'. Not only does he refuse to accept his own on field wrestling he denies that the Storm introduced the wrestle in the first place. Having said all that, he has every right to make the comments he did. I don't believe his comments were selfish. I just disagree with them. Anyone who does disagree with them has every right to do so also. However, given Smith is entitled to his opinion, comments disagreeing with Smith should articulate why rather than attack the man who made the comments.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I accept the hate filled thing was not directed at me. Glad you cleared that up. The only other thing I'll say is I really do believe Smith has the right to make these comments . I also really do defend freedom of expression. I just don't think the comments he made were advisableat this time. Anyway that's enough on what I thought was a pretty innocuous view. Enjoy your lie down. I think we all need one.
qwetzen
Roar Rookie
Hey jimmmy, You've gone from lecturing on interpretation to inferring that "hate-filled cretins" was aimed at you in a few lines! (It was actually aimed at the others which The Roar has weirdly allowed to snipe & libel a respected public figure. CoC & the suspiciously similarly-named Taree Raider to name but two). Anddd, if you haven't "...come down on the side of freedom of expression." in Smith's case then I seriously doubt that you do so "In almost all debates" as I can't think of a more compelling case for Smith being "...ALLOWED to express his views in Public (sic) than when it is *literally* a matter of life and death. One other thing... There are the recurring comments on this thread along the lines of; "I don't like Smith as a player, he's always pushing the boundaries/stifling the play etc. A narrative that has been drip fed from the Sinney media over the last couple of seasons. What I'd be keen on discovering is; If this cunning 'cheat' is guilty of this type of play then are there season stats available anywhere on penalties conceded by player? Logically, this would answer whether he is or isn't what the NSW crowd claim. And iirc, he's never been sent off in a game and has only once been sin-binned. Even if my recall is as dodgy as some clubs' reported player salaries, his record is not within lightyears of a S. Burgess or M. Ennis. Two recent additions to the Sinney media swamp and two of the greatest grubs the game has known. Think I'll go and have a little lie down now...
kk
Roar Pro
Good one Betty. Or maybe: Cam Cecchin or Matt Smith.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Mate , just read my comments and understand the words . I would NEVER suggest that Cameron Smith not be ALLOWED to express his views in Public. In almost all debates, I come down on the side of freedom of expression. I said I don't believe his public comments are helpful in the current circumstances. Jumping from that to 'not allowed ' is an example of why public discourse in this country is so poor. Words have meaning. I hope. Oh and if you mean my comment are an example of a hate filled cretin then I am lost for words.
Censored Often
Roar Rookie
Why would we not listen the greatest referee in the history of the game.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Working a Corona virus God's punishment piece no doubt
theHunter
Guest
As long as the clubs have some measures to avoid contracting the disease, I don't see what is wrong with players missing their family for a couple of weeks. That's their employment, I've worked at mine sites and had fly-in, fly-out of a 5 weeks on and 1 week off basis. Yes I missed my family and they missed me too but that was our income and we had to endure that. These grown ass men using family as an excuse is laughable. They still need their wives to fix them breakfast or mummy to tie their shoe lace? They are employed to do a job and if measures are in place and if that will keep them for a month or month-and-a-half from family, then they should just accept it. I mean we have technology that can keep them connected all the time
qwetzen
Roar Rookie
You've done well with this piece Mary. I can't recall another thread on The Roar that has attracted so many loons and hate-filled cretins. Sooo jimmmy, you don't believe that the most experienced & respected player in the comp should be allowed to express an opinion on this species-threatening situation? Novel.
Taree Raider
Guest
Mary, what you say is correct. However, unless your Cameron Smiths mother, or a Storm supporter, there is no love for Cameron Smith. He is the best player to ever play the game. He has played the most games. He has the greatest win for game record ever. If he doesn't play the team generally doesn't win. However in every game he plays, he does things to stifle ALL opponents, he will hold you down, strangle you, push whatever boundaries he has reached without sanction, every single play of every single game. Calling him a grubby player would be quite reasonable. The way that he dictates the way the game is ref'd. So naturally someone so talented at being a grub is loved by his mum, his fans, but absolutely despised by everyone else. I know that he has made a small fortune from the game & good luck to him, he's put in the effort & deserves what he gets. But he won't get a media job. Because of his zero approval rating. Even his good mate Cooper hates his guts. No matter what Cam says, generally its all about Cam, no one else & we hate him for being so good at being a complete grub & generally getting away with it.
Peter
Guest
Now how about posting something that is not merely bile and venom. His opinion; is actually worth a great deal more than yours, which may of course be you4 problem...
Big Daddy
Guest
Between them Cameron Smithy and Peter V'Landys have nearly played 500 rugby league games. I know whose opinion who I value .
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Cam Smith reminds me of All Black Richie McCaw. Passionate about his sport, committed, pushes limits, exploits loop holes and is loved by Kiwis but despised by everyone else. I don’t like either, but wish they played for my team.