The Storm’s Craig Bellamy and Cameron Smith decided to enter the Warriors’ dressing room after they just pummeled them 50-6.
The Warriors are obviously a team in disarray and are in urgent need of not just some leadership, but also to be with their loved ones.
Bellamy and Smith have long since been described as legends of the game of rugby league because of their professionalism on and off the field, but to go into the visitors’ dressing room and sharing encouraging words with the team they have just run off the park is simply outstanding.
They both obviously know that the Warriors’ mental strength was completely shredded after this defeat, not only because of what happened to Stephen Kearney but also because they are in the strange situation of not being able to be with their families and friends.
I am a Warriors fan living on the Sunshine Coast and I would like to thank both Bellamy and Smith for what they have done. I can only hope that what they had to say will make a difference because we have heard that some of the Warriors players want to go home.
No one can really blame them for that, but a team apart is a team broken. All they wanted to do is play the game and be included in the NRL, but was it the best decision for them to leave everyone behind. After the first game, everyone would have agreed that it was the correct decision, but since then I am not so sure.
I don’t know what was said between the boys, Bellany and Smith, but it will only be positive. So thank you to the Storm’s leaders, you are true legends of the game and if I got the chance I would shake your hands.
Tony
Roar Guru
What a shame Smith didn't have the same level of compassion when Alex McKinnon was laying on the ground with a broken neck.
Brendon
Roar Rookie
The kind Storm doesn't fuel click bait though now, does it. Similar to the flack Cam Smith copped after being tripped, highlighting to an incompetent ref and being called up for manipulating the game.
Walter Black
Guest
There were 3 Storm people who entered that dressing room and spoke to the players not 2. Ryan Hoffman a former Storm and Warriors player who is now an assistant to Craig Bellamy also entered the dressing room and spoke with the boys. This shows the true nature of the Storm not the press fueled hate campaign we usually see.
Matt
Guest
Ryan Hoffman spoke too. As a former Warriors captain I'm sure that was appreciated too.
Nat
Roar Rookie
Nice gesture by the guys. We, the fans, also very much appreciate their sacrfice for the game. V'landys will be on the case to bring the young families over so you never know what he'll pull off.
Tomothy
Guest
Ive been in WA since the start of March, away from family and friends, it's tough, but its my job, A couple months of hardship shouldn't dismantle a team.
Paul
Roar Guru
An excellent piece, Bruce. Completely agree about the gesture from Bellamy & Smith. I'm sure the Warriors players would have taken plenty from what ever these two men had to say. Hopefully the issues around family contact can be resolved quickly and your boys can concentrate on winning more games.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
Bellamy is a kind person. He flew interstate to attend Ryan Tandy's funeral a few years ago, after all the troubles Tandy (an ex-Storm player) had. Bellamy didn't have to do that, but he cares.