Smith retires:

[The_Patriot]

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam

A lot like Tom Brady in his ability to get the best out of a team as a leader
Probably the best record of any player to lace a boot
Very out of touch with the common man who pays his meagre dough to go watch the NRL
Cheated the salary cap by signing 2 contracts and will never admit it
His record of matches played and records in origin will stand for a long time
Won’t be appreciated for his grand final success as Melbourne have always benefited from significant NRL favouritism and obviously got 2 stripped
Outside of Storm and QLD fans, he won’t really be missed
Could have improved his image by plying his trade for struggling GC this year but that’s not his MO
Bit of a victim of some of the flaws in the game that I think need to be addressed, namely the farcical salary cap and talent distribution

Very much like Tom Brady. People are going to hate that level of success.

He wasn't the most talented. Similar to Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Brady's game management is out of this world. Rodgers is more talented and most fans can't comprehend that

Very similar to Cam Smith and Robbie Farah.

Most people will continually knock the Brady's and the Smiths but reality is that game management is where it is at and those two are the true greatest of all time.

Allegations of cheating or lack of understanding for why they are superior are part and parcel of the non fan.

Supporters well and truely understand the greatness and can't stomach the uninformed cheating allegations from people who just don't get it.

PS I'd put Smith on par with Wally Lewis for game management. I'm not sure he is better than him. It's close.

A guy like Andrew Johns falls into the Aaron Rodgers category.

 

[JC99]

I'll never forget the Alex McKinnon incident when Smith was arguing with the refs about the penalty.

This. Disgraceful display. Truly appalling.

Yeh, your comment reeks of hindsight about the outcome for McKinnon. As if Smith would know at that split-second??

Careful mate, defending Cam Smith won't make you a popular man around here ?

 

[Goldust]

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam

A lot like Tom Brady in his ability to get the best out of a team as a leader
Probably the best record of any player to lace a boot
Very out of touch with the common man who pays his meagre dough to go watch the NRL
Cheated the salary cap by signing 2 contracts and will never admit it
His record of matches played and records in origin will stand for a long time
Won’t be appreciated for his grand final success as Melbourne have always benefited from significant NRL favouritism and obviously got 2 stripped
Outside of Storm and QLD fans, he won’t really be missed
Could have improved his image by plying his trade for struggling GC this year but that’s not his MO
Bit of a victim of some of the flaws in the game that I think need to be addressed, namely the farcical salary cap and talent distribution

Exactly like Tom Brady. Haters going to hate!

Like Brady was the best game manager is the modern era. Not the most talented. Farah was more talented for example. Like Arron Rodgers

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam

A lot like Tom Brady in his ability to get the best out of a team as a leader
Probably the best record of any player to lace a boot
Very out of touch with the common man who pays his meagre dough to go watch the NRL
Cheated the salary cap by signing 2 contracts and will never admit it
His record of matches played and records in origin will stand for a long time
Won’t be appreciated for his grand final success as Melbourne have always benefited from significant NRL favouritism and obviously got 2 stripped
Outside of Storm and QLD fans, he won’t really be missed
Could have improved his image by plying his trade for struggling GC this year but that’s not his MO
Bit of a victim of some of the flaws in the game that I think need to be addressed, namely the farcical salary cap and talent distribution

Very much like Tom Brady. People are going to hate that level of success.

He wasn't the most talented. Similar to Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Brady's game management is out of this world. Rodgers is more talented and most fans can't comprehend that

Very similar to Cam Smith and Robbie Farah.

Most people will continually knock the Brady's and the Smiths but reality is that game management is where it is at and those two are the true greatest of all time.

Allegations of cheating or lack of understanding for why they are superior are part and parcel of the non fan.

Supporters well and truely understand the greatness and can't stomach the uninformed cheating allegations from people who just don't get it.

PS I'd put Smith on oar with Wally Lewis for game management. I'm not sure he is better than him. It's close.

A guy like Andrew Johns falls into the Aaron Rodgers category.

Absolutely! Well said ?
Locky would have to be the best example of the perfect mix

 

[Fade.To.Black]

Unfortunately the forum guidelines limit how explicitly opinions of this bloke can be expressed. He carried himself like an absolute germ for the majority of his career. Pretty evident by 90% of fans' views in this thread what his legacy on the game will be.....and most of it isn't good. Would've been bashed out of the game in decades gone by playing in that style he did.
Players who are record holders etc in sports are usually revered: Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan, Leigh Matthews, John Eales, Don Bradman, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods the list goes on. Not this bloke, he is reviled by the majority for the way he conducted himself.
He is a true specimen (of the variety that you hand over to your doctor in a plastic jar).
Good riddance to the maggot, hope he doesn't putrify our game any more in any capacity.

 

[BAGNF05]

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam

A lot like Tom Brady in his ability to get the best out of a team as a leader
Probably the best record of any player to lace a boot
Very out of touch with the common man who pays his meagre dough to go watch the NRL
Cheated the salary cap by signing 2 contracts and will never admit it
His record of matches played and records in origin will stand for a long time
Won’t be appreciated for his grand final success as Melbourne have always benefited from significant NRL favouritism and obviously got 2 stripped
Outside of Storm and QLD fans, he won’t really be missed
Could have improved his image by plying his trade for struggling GC this year but that’s not his MO
Bit of a victim of some of the flaws in the game that I think need to be addressed, namely the farcical salary cap and talent distribution

Exactly like Tom Brady. Haters going to hate!

Like Brady was the best game manager is the modern era. Not the most talented. Farah was more talented for example. Like Arron Rodgers

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam


Very much like Tom Brady. People are going to hate that level of success.

He wasn't the most talented. Similar to Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Brady's game management is out of this world. Rodgers is more talented and most fans can't comprehend that

Very similar to Cam Smith and Robbie Farah.

Most people will continually knock the Brady's and the Smiths but reality is that game management is where it is at and those two are the true greatest of all time.

Allegations of cheating or lack of understanding for why they are superior are part and parcel of the non fan.

Supporters well and truely understand the greatness and can't stomach the uninformed cheating allegations from people who just don't get it.

PS I'd put Smith on oar with Wally Lewis for game management. I'm not sure he is better than him. It's close.

A guy like Andrew Johns falls into the Aaron Rodgers category.

I liked how Brady took his gifts to a battling franchise who had consistently failed and proved his greatness once and for all. Cam never once played in a struggling side. He was obviously great but he won’t be appreciated by the masses because it was a charmed career.

 

[The_Patriot]

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam

A lot like Tom Brady in his ability to get the best out of a team as a leader
Probably the best record of any player to lace a boot
Very out of touch with the common man who pays his meagre dough to go watch the NRL
Cheated the salary cap by signing 2 contracts and will never admit it
His record of matches played and records in origin will stand for a long time
Won’t be appreciated for his grand final success as Melbourne have always benefited from significant NRL favouritism and obviously got 2 stripped
Outside of Storm and QLD fans, he won’t really be missed
Could have improved his image by plying his trade for struggling GC this year but that’s not his MO
Bit of a victim of some of the flaws in the game that I think need to be addressed, namely the farcical salary cap and talent distribution

Exactly like Tom Brady. Haters going to hate!

Like Brady was the best game manager is the modern era. Not the most talented. Farah was more talented for example. Like Arron Rodgers

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam

A lot like Tom Brady in his ability to get the best out of a team as a leader
Probably the best record of any player to lace a boot
Very out of touch with the common man who pays his meagre dough to go watch the NRL
Cheated the salary cap by signing 2 contracts and will never admit it
His record of matches played and records in origin will stand for a long time
Won’t be appreciated for his grand final success as Melbourne have always benefited from significant NRL favouritism and obviously got 2 stripped
Outside of Storm and QLD fans, he won’t really be missed
Could have improved his image by plying his trade for struggling GC this year but that’s not his MO
Bit of a victim of some of the flaws in the game that I think need to be addressed, namely the farcical salary cap and talent distribution

Very much like Tom Brady. People are going to hate that level of success.

He wasn't the most talented. Similar to Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Brady's game management is out of this world. Rodgers is more talented and most fans can't comprehend that

Very similar to Cam Smith and Robbie Farah.

Most people will continually knock the Brady's and the Smiths but reality is that game management is where it is at and those two are the true greatest of all time.

Allegations of cheating or lack of understanding for why they are superior are part and parcel of the non fan.

Supporters well and truely understand the greatness and can't stomach the uninformed cheating allegations from people who just don't get it.

PS I'd put Smith on oar with Wally Lewis for game management. I'm not sure he is better than him. It's close.

A guy like Andrew Johns falls into the Aaron Rodgers category.


Absolutely! Well said ?
Locky would have to be the best example of the perfect mix

Fair point Lockyer.

Fell short but fair point.

 

[The_Patriot]

Unfortunately the forum guidelines limit how explicitly opinions of this bloke can be expressed. He carried himself like an absolute germ for the majority of his career. Pretty evident by 90% of fans' views in this thread what his legacy on the game will be.....and most of it isn't good. Would've been bashed out of the game in decades gone by playing in that style he did.
Players who are record holders etc in sports are usually revered: Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan, Leigh Matthews, John Eales, Don Bradman, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods the list goes on. Not this bloke, he is reviled by the majority for the way he conducted himself.
He is a true specimen (of the variety that you hand over to your doctor in a plastic jar).
Good riddance to the maggot, hope he doesn't putrify our game any more in any capacity.

I dont think you know what youre talking about, Most of the guys you mentioned have been chopped down by blokes like you.

 

[The_Patriot]

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam

A lot like Tom Brady in his ability to get the best out of a team as a leader
Probably the best record of any player to lace a boot
Very out of touch with the common man who pays his meagre dough to go watch the NRL
Cheated the salary cap by signing 2 contracts and will never admit it
His record of matches played and records in origin will stand for a long time
Won’t be appreciated for his grand final success as Melbourne have always benefited from significant NRL favouritism and obviously got 2 stripped
Outside of Storm and QLD fans, he won’t really be missed
Could have improved his image by plying his trade for struggling GC this year but that’s not his MO
Bit of a victim of some of the flaws in the game that I think need to be addressed, namely the farcical salary cap and talent distribution

Exactly like Tom Brady. Haters going to hate!

Like Brady was the best game manager is the modern era. Not the most talented. Farah was more talented for example. Like Arron Rodgers

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam


Very much like Tom Brady. People are going to hate that level of success.

He wasn't the most talented. Similar to Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Brady's game management is out of this world. Rodgers is more talented and most fans can't comprehend that

Very similar to Cam Smith and Robbie Farah.

Most people will continually knock the Brady's and the Smiths but reality is that game management is where it is at and those two are the true greatest of all time.

Allegations of cheating or lack of understanding for why they are superior are part and parcel of the non fan.

Supporters well and truely understand the greatness and can't stomach the uninformed cheating allegations from people who just don't get it.

PS I'd put Smith on oar with Wally Lewis for game management. I'm not sure he is better than him. It's close.

A guy like Andrew Johns falls into the Aaron Rodgers category.

I liked how Brady took his gifts to a battling franchise who had consistently failed and proved his greatness once and for all. Cam never once played in a struggling side. He was obviously great but he won’t be appreciated by the masses because it was a charmed career.

Charmed career or superior player. Haters struggle with the answer

 

[JC99]

You know what's a crazy stat? He played 430 games which in itself is ridiculous, but he only missed 15 games due to injury and suspension his entire career! Definition of an iron man and knew how to avoid damage while also playing extremely well every week

 

[Needaname]

Interesting to note that Anthony Griffin recruited him to the Storm.

Something Dragons fans should think long and hard about. They have the right coach to rebuild them.

Gus recruited Anthony Griffen to Penrith as well as he was well known in Brisbane for establishing the framework and pathways for talented young players and transitioning them into first graders. The problem was though he wasn’t able to get them any further.
His probably known as a coach that can build a side into a finalist contender but not one that can elevate them to a premiership. Had a pretty good record with lower grades though.
Side note, closest hooker to how Cam Smith plays the game is probably Andrew MCullough.

That's debateable.

A lot of people blame Gus for not being able to take a back seat. Something Cleary insisted upon his appointment.

Tells me the real story

Which part is debatable?

 

[The_Patriot]

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam

A lot like Tom Brady in his ability to get the best out of a team as a leader
Probably the best record of any player to lace a boot
Very out of touch with the common man who pays his meagre dough to go watch the NRL
Cheated the salary cap by signing 2 contracts and will never admit it
His record of matches played and records in origin will stand for a long time
Won’t be appreciated for his grand final success as Melbourne have always benefited from significant NRL favouritism and obviously got 2 stripped
Outside of Storm and QLD fans, he won’t really be missed
Could have improved his image by plying his trade for struggling GC this year but that’s not his MO
Bit of a victim of some of the flaws in the game that I think need to be addressed, namely the farcical salary cap and talent distribution

Exactly like Tom Brady. Haters going to hate!

Like Brady was the best game manager is the modern era. Not the most talented. Farah was more talented for example. Like Arron Rodgers

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam

A lot like Tom Brady in his ability to get the best out of a team as a leader
Probably the best record of any player to lace a boot
Very out of touch with the common man who pays his meagre dough to go watch the NRL
Cheated the salary cap by signing 2 contracts and will never admit it
His record of matches played and records in origin will stand for a long time
Won’t be appreciated for his grand final success as Melbourne have always benefited from significant NRL favouritism and obviously got 2 stripped
Outside of Storm and QLD fans, he won’t really be missed
Could have improved his image by plying his trade for struggling GC this year but that’s not his MO
Bit of a victim of some of the flaws in the game that I think need to be addressed, namely the farcical salary cap and talent distribution

Very much like Tom Brady. People are going to hate that level of success.

He wasn't the most talented. Similar to Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Brady's game management is out of this world. Rodgers is more talented and most fans can't comprehend that

Very similar to Cam Smith and Robbie Farah.

Most people will continually knock the Brady's and the Smiths but reality is that game management is where it is at and those two are the true greatest of all time.

Allegations of cheating or lack of understanding for why they are superior are part and parcel of the non fan.

Supporters well and truely understand the greatness and can't stomach the uninformed cheating allegations from people who just don't get it.

PS I'd put Smith on oar with Wally Lewis for game management. I'm not sure he is better than him. It's close.

A guy like Andrew Johns falls into the Aaron Rodgers category.


Absolutely! Well said ?
Locky would have to be the best example of the perfect mix

I now have you on my list of normal people who get how the world works.

Cheers mate, look forward to your future posts

 

[BAGNF05]

You know what's a crazy stat? He played 430 games which in itself is ridiculous, but he only missed 15 games due to injury and suspension his entire career! Definition of an iron man

Burnt through a few dinner suits too

 

[The_Patriot]

Interesting to note that Anthony Griffin recruited him to the Storm.

Something Dragons fans should think long and hard about. They have the right coach to rebuild them.

Gus recruited Anthony Griffen to Penrith as well as he was well known in Brisbane for establishing the framework and pathways for talented young players and transitioning them into first graders. The problem was though he wasn’t able to get them any further.
His probably known as a coach that can build a side into a finalist contender but not one that can elevate them to a premiership. Had a pretty good record with lower grades though.
Side note, closest hooker to how Cam Smith plays the game is probably Andrew MCullough.

That's debateable.

A lot of people blame Gus for not being able to take a back seat. Something Cleary insisted upon his appointment.

Tells me the real story

Which part is debatable?

That he wasnt able to get them any further.
Gould sacked him when he was running 4th.

Just in case he won a premiership imo.

 

[BAGNF05]

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam

A lot like Tom Brady in his ability to get the best out of a team as a leader
Probably the best record of any player to lace a boot
Very out of touch with the common man who pays his meagre dough to go watch the NRL
Cheated the salary cap by signing 2 contracts and will never admit it
His record of matches played and records in origin will stand for a long time
Won’t be appreciated for his grand final success as Melbourne have always benefited from significant NRL favouritism and obviously got 2 stripped
Outside of Storm and QLD fans, he won’t really be missed
Could have improved his image by plying his trade for struggling GC this year but that’s not his MO
Bit of a victim of some of the flaws in the game that I think need to be addressed, namely the farcical salary cap and talent distribution

Exactly like Tom Brady. Haters going to hate!

Like Brady was the best game manager is the modern era. Not the most talented. Farah was more talented for example. Like Arron Rodgers

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam


Very much like Tom Brady. People are going to hate that level of success.

He wasn't the most talented. Similar to Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Brady's game management is out of this world. Rodgers is more talented and most fans can't comprehend that

Very similar to Cam Smith and Robbie Farah.

Most people will continually knock the Brady's and the Smiths but reality is that game management is where it is at and those two are the true greatest of all time.

Allegations of cheating or lack of understanding for why they are superior are part and parcel of the non fan.

Supporters well and truely understand the greatness and can't stomach the uninformed cheating allegations from people who just don't get it.

PS I'd put Smith on oar with Wally Lewis for game management. I'm not sure he is better than him. It's close.

A guy like Andrew Johns falls into the Aaron Rodgers category.

I liked how Brady took his gifts to a battling franchise who had consistently failed and proved his greatness once and for all. Cam never once played in a struggling side. He was obviously great but he won’t be appreciated by the masses because it was a charmed career.

Charmed career or superior player. Haters struggle with the answer

Read my comments, haven’t once knocked his ability, his detractors don’t like his character.

 

[The_Patriot]

Brad Fitler was more talented than Wally Lewis but Lewis is an immortal..

Same old story here.

Game management is the key. Hate the guy all you want but he is one of the best to ever control a game.

 

[Needaname]

Interesting to note that Anthony Griffin recruited him to the Storm.

Something Dragons fans should think long and hard about. They have the right coach to rebuild them.

Gus recruited Anthony Griffen to Penrith as well as he was well known in Brisbane for establishing the framework and pathways for talented young players and transitioning them into first graders. The problem was though he wasn’t able to get them any further.
His probably known as a coach that can build a side into a finalist contender but not one that can elevate them to a premiership. Had a pretty good record with lower grades though.
Side note, closest hooker to how Cam Smith plays the game is probably Andrew MCullough.

That's debateable.

A lot of people blame Gus for not being able to take a back seat. Something Cleary insisted upon his appointment.

Tells me the real story

Which part is debatable?


That he wasnt able to get them any further.
Gould sacked him when he was running 4th.

Just in case he won a premiership imo.

True, I hope your right there.

Can’t agree with the second part.
My knock on Griffin as a coach is that despite making the finals all those years as a team Penrith just looked like they played with no structure at all. It’s like he just coached the team to allow all the x-factor players to come up with something to win the game.
I think Cleary was a better choice in the end and has proven when with us and the Panthers that he can prepare a side with a game plan to beat the other teams weaknesses.

 

[hobbo1]

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam

A lot like Tom Brady in his ability to get the best out of a team as a leader
Probably the best record of any player to lace a boot
Very out of touch with the common man who pays his meagre dough to go watch the NRL
Cheated the salary cap by signing 2 contracts and will never admit it
His record of matches played and records in origin will stand for a long time
Won’t be appreciated for his grand final success as Melbourne have always benefited from significant NRL favouritism and obviously got 2 stripped
Outside of Storm and QLD fans, he won’t really be missed
Could have improved his image by plying his trade for struggling GC this year but that’s not his MO
Bit of a victim of some of the flaws in the game that I think need to be addressed, namely the farcical salary cap and talent distribution

Exactly like Tom Brady. Haters going to hate!

Like Brady was the best game manager is the modern era. Not the most talented. Farah was more talented for example. Like Arron Rodgers

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam


Very much like Tom Brady. People are going to hate that level of success.

He wasn't the most talented. Similar to Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Brady's game management is out of this world. Rodgers is more talented and most fans can't comprehend that

Very similar to Cam Smith and Robbie Farah.

Most people will continually knock the Brady's and the Smiths but reality is that game management is where it is at and those two are the true greatest of all time.

Allegations of cheating or lack of understanding for why they are superior are part and parcel of the non fan.

Supporters well and truely understand the greatness and can't stomach the uninformed cheating allegations from people who just don't get it.

PS I'd put Smith on oar with Wally Lewis for game management. I'm not sure he is better than him. It's close.

A guy like Andrew Johns falls into the Aaron Rodgers category.

I liked how Brady took his gifts to a battling franchise who had consistently failed and proved his greatness once and for all. Cam never once played in a struggling side. He was obviously great but he won’t be appreciated by the masses because it was a charmed career.

Charmed career or superior player. Haters struggle with the answer

I’m a hater ..
He self managed his contacts resulting in two stripped premierships .
Was co creator of the chicken wing , crusher , prowler and calf stomp tackles.
Blamed McKinnon for becoming a quadriplegic.
As others have said most sports greats retire with dignity and admiration ..
Not him .. always will be a flog !

 

[The_Patriot]

No wonder we have so many Brooks supporters lol

 

[The_Patriot]

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam

A lot like Tom Brady in his ability to get the best out of a team as a leader
Probably the best record of any player to lace a boot
Very out of touch with the common man who pays his meagre dough to go watch the NRL
Cheated the salary cap by signing 2 contracts and will never admit it
His record of matches played and records in origin will stand for a long time
Won’t be appreciated for his grand final success as Melbourne have always benefited from significant NRL favouritism and obviously got 2 stripped
Outside of Storm and QLD fans, he won’t really be missed
Could have improved his image by plying his trade for struggling GC this year but that’s not his MO
Bit of a victim of some of the flaws in the game that I think need to be addressed, namely the farcical salary cap and talent distribution

Exactly like Tom Brady. Haters going to hate!

Like Brady was the best game manager is the modern era. Not the most talented. Farah was more talented for example. Like Arron Rodgers

Haven’t read through the whole thread but my takes on Cam


Very much like Tom Brady. People are going to hate that level of success.

He wasn't the most talented. Similar to Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Brady's game management is out of this world. Rodgers is more talented and most fans can't comprehend that

Very similar to Cam Smith and Robbie Farah.

Most people will continually knock the Brady's and the Smiths but reality is that game management is where it is at and those two are the true greatest of all time.

Allegations of cheating or lack of understanding for why they are superior are part and parcel of the non fan.

Supporters well and truely understand the greatness and can't stomach the uninformed cheating allegations from people who just don't get it.

PS I'd put Smith on oar with Wally Lewis for game management. I'm not sure he is better than him. It's close.

A guy like Andrew Johns falls into the Aaron Rodgers category.

I liked how Brady took his gifts to a battling franchise who had consistently failed and proved his greatness once and for all. Cam never once played in a struggling side. He was obviously great but he won’t be appreciated by the masses because it was a charmed career.

Charmed career or superior player. Haters struggle with the answer

Read my comments, haven’t once knocked his ability, his detractors don’t like his character.

You don't judge the greatest players of all time by character.

Simple