Craig Bellamy Jokes Melbourne Storm 'Tore Up' Cameron Smith's Membership After Broncos Coaching Appointment
Melbourne Storm head coach Craig Bellamy has playfully remarked that the club "tore up" Cameron Smith's life membership following the revelation that the legendary hooker will be joining the Brisbane Broncos as a coach. Reports initially surfaced in November indicating Smith was set to become part of Michael Maguire's coaching staff, with the reigning premiers officially unveiling the three-time NRL champion at the start of February.
Smith's Illustrious Career and Life Membership Honour
Cameron Smith, who hails from Queensland, enjoyed a glittering and highly decorated career with the Melbourne Storm, earning a life membership from the club back in 2009 in recognition of his immense contributions. After his appointment was formally announced, Broncos coach Michael Maguire disclosed that Smith would be working closely with the team's leaders, offering valuable advice on how the Brisbane outfit can enhance their performance and strategies.
When questioned about the Storm's reaction to Smith's move, Bellamy joked to Nine, "We tore his membership up straight away." He quickly clarified, stating, "Nah, he rang me up and just explained why he'd taken on the job. At the end of the day, he's got no ties where he's got a contract or anything, so he can do what he likes. He'll be a great benefit to the Broncos, it's a pretty smart move by the Broncos to get him in. He's just going to help out the halves and hookers up there."
Family Reasons Behind Smith's Decision to Join Broncos
Some observers had questioned why the Melbourne Storm did not approach Smith to take up a coaching role with the Victorian club. However, it appears the 42-year-old former player preferred to remain close to home and be with his family in Queensland. Bellamy added, "We'd have loved to see him here, but he lives in Queensland now, so it fits in with his life and his family's at the moment. There's certainly no hard feelings at all."
Since retiring from professional rugby league in 2020, Cameron Smith has been carving out a very respectable coaching career, alongside media work with Channel Nine. Many within the sport believe the two-time Dally M medallist could potentially be in the running to one day succeed Craig Bellamy as head coach of the Melbourne Storm.
Bellamy Praises Smith's Character and Professionalism
Bellamy further praised Smith for his professionalism in personally informing him about the move to the Broncos. "I think it does [say something about him] and that's Cameron Smith, he's probably the greatest player I've seen and one of the all-time greats of our game - but the underlying thing though is that he's a really good bloke," Bellamy stated. "He thought that was the right thing to do and I appreciated that. He didn't have to do that, but he did and it says something about the type of bloke he is."
While Smith has yet to publicly comment on his new role at the Brisbane Broncos, Michael Maguire provided some insight into his activities since joining the Queensland outfit. "He just chimes in where he feels he can," Maguire said. "He talks to the players about their game. I guess it's a broad role. But we aren't painting it into one specific area."
Potential Future as Storm Head Coach
Cameron Munster, a key player for the Melbourne Storm, is among those who believe Smith could be a strong candidate to take over from Bellamy whenever he eventually steps down. "It would be nice [if he did take over from Bellamy]," Munster added. "Not too many guys have a resume or the accolades or premierships and awards [that Smith does]. I’m not sure he hasn’t won one, except for the Clive Churchill Medal."
The move underscores Smith's ongoing influence in the NRL and the high regard in which he is held across the league, with his transition into coaching being watched closely by fans and pundits alike.
