Smith retires:

[Geo]

'Wouldn't have happened if he didn't duck his head'..Cammy..class act..

 

[hank37w]

All arguments aside, I just felt really sick seeing Alex's life change for ever in a moment of time that you wish you could just take back.

 

[tigerbalm]

Good Riddance....IMO he and his coach are solely responsible for introducing the cheating element, aka wrestle and win at any cost into the game....I will never forget his reaction while Alex McKinnon lay there crippled.

Man I bloody hate when people say this

How the hell was Smith meant to know what happened to McKinnon? He's not a doctor for Christ's sake, he doesn't have x ray vision he can't see broken bones. He argued to the ref like he's done a million other times and like a million other players have done. Just so happened that McKinnon was hurt bad

Fair enough if you don't like the grubby tactics he did on the field but I can't see how him talking to the ref in that situation somehow makes him a monster

I agree with this. And how many on here cheered loudly when Matterson was concussed? A few glass houses around the place.

Man you got me, I was far to happy seeing Matto laying there. Fair point.

 

[BAGNF05]

Whether you love, loath or absolutely hate Cam there’s no denying he was an exceptional player.

If he played for us we’d all be singing his praises and have a very different opinion.

The problem is that the NRL and News Corp threw and continue to throw countless dollars into the Melbourne franchise to ensure that they’re relevant in an AFL centric market.

With another QLD and possibly NZ team added to the mix in 2022/23, local Sydney clubs will quickly become less relevant.

Wests Tigers will never have that level of support from the NRL, so as an organisation we need to stand up, prove them wrong and make the finals this year.

Very true mate

 

[Speed2burn]

So much butt hurt from people who’s lives are not impacted one bit by smiths decision lol

Love him or hate him what a career

 

[tig_prmz]

Whether you love, loath or absolutely hate Cam there’s no denying he was an exceptional player.

If he played for us we’d all be singing his praises and have a very different opinion.

The problem is that the NRL and News Corp threw and continue to throw countless dollars into the Melbourne franchise to ensure that they’re relevant in an AFL centric market.

With another QLD and possibly NZ team added to the mix in 2022/23, local Sydney clubs will quickly become less relevant.

Wests Tigers will never have that level of support from the NRL, so as an organisation we need to stand up, prove them wrong and make the finals this year.

Melb did receive more funding at the start but the Storm as an organisation has been self sufficient for over a decade now. Same can't be said of Sydney teams fighting each other.

I don't get why people have difficulty believing that teams such as Broncos, Roosters, Melbourne and Rabbitohs are better managed clubs and businesses. They get a leg up because of the rich people who own/run that club but that's how it is in every business.

It's so wrong to take away any credit from Smith, Bellamy and co for their on-field and off-field success.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

'Wouldn't have happened if he didn't duck his head'..Cammy..class act..

It’s true though. Unfortunately you can’t say that without being accused of thinking the whole thing was McKinnon’s fault. It was just a tragic accident, that most use as a vehicle to bash the guy. You’d think Smith orchestrated the whole thing. McKinnon actually apologised to Smith for getting angry at him after 60 minutes showed him doctored footage.

 

[BAGNF05]

Whether you love, loath or absolutely hate Cam there’s no denying he was an exceptional player.

If he played for us we’d all be singing his praises and have a very different opinion.

The problem is that the NRL and News Corp threw and continue to throw countless dollars into the Melbourne franchise to ensure that they’re relevant in an AFL centric market.

With another QLD and possibly NZ team added to the mix in 2022/23, local Sydney clubs will quickly become less relevant.

Wests Tigers will never have that level of support from the NRL, so as an organisation we need to stand up, prove them wrong and make the finals this year.

Melb did receive more funding at the start but the Storm as an organisation has been self sufficient for over a decade now. Same can't be said of Sydney teams fighting each other.

I don't get why people have difficulty believing that teams such as Broncos, Roosters, Melbourne and Rabbitohs are better managed clubs and businesses. They get a leg up because of the rich people who own/run that club but that's how it is in every business.

It's so wrong to take away any credit from Smith, Bellamy and co for their on-field and off-field success.

Systematic cheating

 

[jirskyr]

It interests me how such a dominant successful player can be so divisive. I don't like Thurston but I can respect his footballing ability, and generally speaking I don't think people hate him much. I don't like Cronk's personality at all, literally the most annoying pundit going around for me, but you can't argue with his success, even if he potentially stood on the shoulders of greats.

I don't like the lifestyle Joey Johns had off-field but ultimately, so long as the bloke's not a convicted criminal, I tend to only think about the fooball.

I think that's how I'll end up with Cameron Smith - don't like the bloke, but man, could he play football! You'd be lining up to shake his hand if he was a Wests Tiger.

That part of him that people don't like - the personal winning at all costs - you wish your team's players had that drive to succeed over 430 FG matches. There's lots of things he could have done differently as a sporting personality, but he's an indisputable winner in all aspects of his career. He even had Cronk and Slater and Inglis move on and he still dragged his side to premierships.

He'll be an Immortal before long, so if you hate him, at least prepare yourself for the inevitable.

 

[Moh]

'Wouldn't have happened if he didn't duck his head'..Cammy..class act..

It’s true though. Unfortunately you can’t say that without being accused of thinking the whole thing was McKinnon’s fault. It was just a tragic accident, that most use as a vehicle to bash the guy. You’d think Smith orchestrated the whole thing. McKinnon actually apologised to Smith for getting angry at him after 60 minutes showed him doctored footage.

Literally everyone said the same about Alex tucking his head before knowing the serious outcome.

And people STILL say the same whenever a similar tackle happens now, just most haven't ended in a tragedy.

 

[BAGNF05]

It interests me how such a dominant successful player can be so divisive. I don't like Thurston but I can respect his footballing ability, and generally speaking I don't think people hate him much. I don't like Cronk's personality at all, literally the most annoying pundit going around for me, but you can't argue with his success, even if he potentially stood on the shoulders of greats.

I don't like the lifestyle Joey Johns had off-field but ultimately, so long as the bloke's not a convicted criminal, I tend to only think about the fooball.

I think that's how I'll end up with Cameron Smith - don't like the bloke, but man, could he play football! You'd be lining up to shake his hand if he was a Wests Tiger.

That part of him that people don't like - the personal winning at all costs - you wish your team's players had that drive to succeed over 430 FG matches. There's lots of things he could have done differently as a sporting personality, but he's an indisputable winner in all aspects of his career. He even had Cronk and Slater and Inglis move on and he still dragged his side to premierships.

He'll be an Immortal before long, so if you hate him, at least prepare yourself for the inevitable.

Not a fan of the ‘if he played for Wests Tigers we’d all love him’ line, obviously he didn’t and never considered playing for a battling team, it’s not his MO. His fans cannot deny he had a charmed career, always playing in stacked teams and getting showered in riches and diamonds the whole way. Good footy player, not a bloke I’d want to see play for us, because it’s below him.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

It interests me how such a dominant successful player can be so divisive. I don't like Thurston but I can respect his footballing ability, and generally speaking I don't think people hate him much. I don't like Cronk's personality at all, literally the most annoying pundit going around for me, but you can't argue with his success, even if he potentially stood on the shoulders of greats.

I don't like the lifestyle Joey Johns had off-field but ultimately, so long as the bloke's not a convicted criminal, I tend to only think about the fooball.

I think that's how I'll end up with Cameron Smith - don't like the bloke, but man, could he play football! You'd be lining up to shake his hand if he was a Wests Tiger.

That part of him that people don't like - the personal winning at all costs - you wish your team's players had that drive to succeed over 430 FG matches. There's lots of things he could have done differently as a sporting personality, but he's an indisputable winner in all aspects of his career. He even had Cronk and Slater and Inglis move on and he still dragged his side to premierships.

He'll be an Immortal before long, so if you hate him, at least prepare yourself for the inevitable.

Not a fan of the ‘if he played for Wests Tigers we’d all love him’ line, obviously he didn’t and never considered playing for a battling team, it’s not his MO. His fans cannot deny he had a charmed career, always playing in stacked teams and getting showered in riches and diamonds the whole way. Good footy player, not a bloke I’d want to see play for us, because it’s below him.

Lol wow that’s quite the assumption, based on virtually nothing but your dislike for him.

 

[BAGNF05]

It interests me how such a dominant successful player can be so divisive. I don't like Thurston but I can respect his footballing ability, and generally speaking I don't think people hate him much. I don't like Cronk's personality at all, literally the most annoying pundit going around for me, but you can't argue with his success, even if he potentially stood on the shoulders of greats.

I don't like the lifestyle Joey Johns had off-field but ultimately, so long as the bloke's not a convicted criminal, I tend to only think about the fooball.

I think that's how I'll end up with Cameron Smith - don't like the bloke, but man, could he play football! You'd be lining up to shake his hand if he was a Wests Tiger.

That part of him that people don't like - the personal winning at all costs - you wish your team's players had that drive to succeed over 430 FG matches. There's lots of things he could have done differently as a sporting personality, but he's an indisputable winner in all aspects of his career. He even had Cronk and Slater and Inglis move on and he still dragged his side to premierships.

He'll be an Immortal before long, so if you hate him, at least prepare yourself for the inevitable.

Not a fan of the ‘if he played for Wests Tigers we’d all love him’ line, obviously he didn’t and never considered playing for a battling team, it’s not his MO. His fans cannot deny he had a charmed career, always playing in stacked teams and getting showered in riches and diamonds the whole way. Good footy player, not a bloke I’d want to see play for us, because it’s below him.

Lol wow that’s quite the assumption, based on virtually nothing but your dislike for him.

It interests me how such a dominant successful player can be so divisive. I don't like Thurston but I can respect his footballing ability, and generally speaking I don't think people hate him much. I don't like Cronk's personality at all, literally the most annoying pundit going around for me, but you can't argue with his success, even if he potentially stood on the shoulders of greats.

I don't like the lifestyle Joey Johns had off-field but ultimately, so long as the bloke's not a convicted criminal, I tend to only think about the fooball.

I think that's how I'll end up with Cameron Smith - don't like the bloke, but man, could he play football! You'd be lining up to shake his hand if he was a Wests Tiger.

That part of him that people don't like - the personal winning at all costs - you wish your team's players had that drive to succeed over 430 FG matches. There's lots of things he could have done differently as a sporting personality, but he's an indisputable winner in all aspects of his career. He even had Cronk and Slater and Inglis move on and he still dragged his side to premierships.

He'll be an Immortal before long, so if you hate him, at least prepare yourself for the inevitable.

Not a fan of the ‘if he played for Wests Tigers we’d all love him’ line, obviously he didn’t and never considered playing for a battling team, it’s not his MO. His fans cannot deny he had a charmed career, always playing in stacked teams and getting showered in riches and diamonds the whole way. Good footy player, not a bloke I’d want to see play for us, because it’s below him.

Lol wow that’s quite the assumption, based on virtually nothing but your dislike for him.

Cos I’m sure half way through all that winning he thought, might chuck it all in and go come 9th?????

 

[GNR4LIFE]

It interests me how such a dominant successful player can be so divisive. I don't like Thurston but I can respect his footballing ability, and generally speaking I don't think people hate him much. I don't like Cronk's personality at all, literally the most annoying pundit going around for me, but you can't argue with his success, even if he potentially stood on the shoulders of greats.

I don't like the lifestyle Joey Johns had off-field but ultimately, so long as the bloke's not a convicted criminal, I tend to only think about the fooball.

I think that's how I'll end up with Cameron Smith - don't like the bloke, but man, could he play football! You'd be lining up to shake his hand if he was a Wests Tiger.

That part of him that people don't like - the personal winning at all costs - you wish your team's players had that drive to succeed over 430 FG matches. There's lots of things he could have done differently as a sporting personality, but he's an indisputable winner in all aspects of his career. He even had Cronk and Slater and Inglis move on and he still dragged his side to premierships.

He'll be an Immortal before long, so if you hate him, at least prepare yourself for the inevitable.

Not a fan of the ‘if he played for Wests Tigers we’d all love him’ line, obviously he didn’t and never considered playing for a battling team, it’s not his MO. His fans cannot deny he had a charmed career, always playing in stacked teams and getting showered in riches and diamonds the whole way. Good footy player, not a bloke I’d want to see play for us, because it’s below him.

Lol wow that’s quite the assumption, based on virtually nothing but your dislike for him.

It interests me how such a dominant successful player can be so divisive. I don't like Thurston but I can respect his footballing ability, and generally speaking I don't think people hate him much. I don't like Cronk's personality at all, literally the most annoying pundit going around for me, but you can't argue with his success, even if he potentially stood on the shoulders of greats.

I don't like the lifestyle Joey Johns had off-field but ultimately, so long as the bloke's not a convicted criminal, I tend to only think about the fooball.

I think that's how I'll end up with Cameron Smith - don't like the bloke, but man, could he play football! You'd be lining up to shake his hand if he was a Wests Tiger.

That part of him that people don't like - the personal winning at all costs - you wish your team's players had that drive to succeed over 430 FG matches. There's lots of things he could have done differently as a sporting personality, but he's an indisputable winner in all aspects of his career. He even had Cronk and Slater and Inglis move on and he still dragged his side to premierships.

He'll be an Immortal before long, so if you hate him, at least prepare yourself for the inevitable.

Not a fan of the ‘if he played for Wests Tigers we’d all love him’ line, obviously he didn’t and never considered playing for a battling team, it’s not his MO. His fans cannot deny he had a charmed career, always playing in stacked teams and getting showered in riches and diamonds the whole way. Good footy player, not a bloke I’d want to see play for us, because it’s below him.

Lol wow that’s quite the assumption, based on virtually nothing but your dislike for him.

Cos I’m sure half way through all that winning he thought, might chuck it all in and go come 9th?????

Or maybe he wanted to be a one club man. But no, let’s assume it’s the most selfish reason. Do you feel the same about a player like Lockyer?

 

[BAGNF05]

It interests me how such a dominant successful player can be so divisive. I don't like Thurston but I can respect his footballing ability, and generally speaking I don't think people hate him much. I don't like Cronk's personality at all, literally the most annoying pundit going around for me, but you can't argue with his success, even if he potentially stood on the shoulders of greats.

I don't like the lifestyle Joey Johns had off-field but ultimately, so long as the bloke's not a convicted criminal, I tend to only think about the fooball.

I think that's how I'll end up with Cameron Smith - don't like the bloke, but man, could he play football! You'd be lining up to shake his hand if he was a Wests Tiger.

That part of him that people don't like - the personal winning at all costs - you wish your team's players had that drive to succeed over 430 FG matches. There's lots of things he could have done differently as a sporting personality, but he's an indisputable winner in all aspects of his career. He even had Cronk and Slater and Inglis move on and he still dragged his side to premierships.

He'll be an Immortal before long, so if you hate him, at least prepare yourself for the inevitable.

Not a fan of the ‘if he played for Wests Tigers we’d all love him’ line, obviously he didn’t and never considered playing for a battling team, it’s not his MO. His fans cannot deny he had a charmed career, always playing in stacked teams and getting showered in riches and diamonds the whole way. Good footy player, not a bloke I’d want to see play for us, because it’s below him.

Lol wow that’s quite the assumption, based on virtually nothing but your dislike for him.

It interests me how such a dominant successful player can be so divisive. I don't like Thurston but I can respect his footballing ability, and generally speaking I don't think people hate him much. I don't like Cronk's personality at all, literally the most annoying pundit going around for me, but you can't argue with his success, even if he potentially stood on the shoulders of greats.

I don't like the lifestyle Joey Johns had off-field but ultimately, so long as the bloke's not a convicted criminal, I tend to only think about the fooball.

I think that's how I'll end up with Cameron Smith - don't like the bloke, but man, could he play football! You'd be lining up to shake his hand if he was a Wests Tiger.

That part of him that people don't like - the personal winning at all costs - you wish your team's players had that drive to succeed over 430 FG matches. There's lots of things he could have done differently as a sporting personality, but he's an indisputable winner in all aspects of his career. He even had Cronk and Slater and Inglis move on and he still dragged his side to premierships.

He'll be an Immortal before long, so if you hate him, at least prepare yourself for the inevitable.

Not a fan of the ‘if he played for Wests Tigers we’d all love him’ line, obviously he didn’t and never considered playing for a battling team, it’s not his MO. His fans cannot deny he had a charmed career, always playing in stacked teams and getting showered in riches and diamonds the whole way. Good footy player, not a bloke I’d want to see play for us, because it’s below him.

Lol wow that’s quite the assumption, based on virtually nothing but your dislike for him.

Cos I’m sure half way through all that winning he thought, might chuck it all in and go come 9th?????

Or maybe he wanted to be a one club man. But no, let’s assume it’s the most selfish reason. Do you feel the same about a player like Lockyer?

He came pretty close to signing with Broncs I believe.

On Lockyer, no salary cap scandal although many would have doubts. No diamond rings. No wrestling. Club has fallen apart post his career. I’ve got a lot more respect for his achievements.

 

[Fade.To.Black]

Whether you love, loath or absolutely hate Cam there’s no denying he was an exceptional player.

If he played for us we’d all be singing his praises and have a very different opinion.

The problem is that the NRL and News Corp threw and continue to throw countless dollars into the Melbourne franchise to ensure that they’re relevant in an AFL centric market.

With another QLD and possibly NZ team added to the mix in 2022/23, local Sydney clubs will quickly become less relevant.

Wests Tigers will never have that level of support from the NRL, so as an organisation we need to stand up, prove them wrong and make the finals this year.

Melb did receive more funding at the start but the Storm as an organisation has been self sufficient for over a decade now. Same can't be said of Sydney teams fighting each other.

I don't get why people have difficulty believing that teams such as Broncos, Roosters, Melbourne and Rabbitohs are better managed clubs and businesses. They get a leg up because of the rich people who own/run that club but that's how it is in every business.

It's so wrong to take away any credit from Smith, Bellamy and co for their on-field and off-field success.

Which one of Smith, Bellamy and co was willing to take the credit for the salary cap cheating? Answer is none, they all to a man deny it ever happened.

 

[Papacito]

Finishing as one of the greats and retiring quietly (on the eve of a new season when the media can't make a big deal about it) is pretty classy in my books.

Seems like he beat them at their own game.

 

[Fade.To.Black]

Good Riddance....IMO he and his coach are solely responsible for introducing the cheating element, aka wrestle and win at any cost into the game....I will never forget his reaction while Alex McKinnon lay there crippled.

Man I bloody hate when people say this

How the hell was Smith meant to know what happened to McKinnon? He's not a doctor for Christ's sake, he doesn't have x ray vision he can't see broken bones. He argued to the ref like he's done a million other times and like a million other players have done. Just so happened that McKinnon was hurt bad

Fair enough if you don't like the grubby tactics he did on the field but I can't see how him talking to the ref in that situation somehow makes him a monster

There was a fair bit of media around (pretty sure McKinnon himself said it as well) that he was telling quite distinctly that he could not feel his legs.
Watching it live at the time it was blatantly obvious he was in serious trouble (perhaps not to the extent it turned out) but Smith chose to keep carrying on for a fair while when the medicab was out, neck was stabilised etc.
He is a germ. Not a bad football player.....Johns, Thurston, Lockyer at least of modern day players were better though IMO.

That is an out and out lie that he carried on while the medicab was on the field. He asked what the penalty was for then stood back and waited till McKinnon was off

Please watch to mend your selective memory

https://youtu.be/GC1CCzBJDnE

The actual fact that he still continued to carry on AFTER McKinnon had treatment and was driven off the field makes him even more of a germ, thanks for clarifying.
Playing the victim after a bloke is carted off in serious trouble just highlights what a maggot he is. People don't despise the bloke for no reason.

 

[Fade.To.Black]

Finishing as one of the greats and retiring quietly (on the eve of a new season when the media can't make a big deal about it) is pretty classy in my books.

Seems like he beat them at their own game.

😂😂😂😂😂. Sorry mate, are you serious?

 

[Geo]

Good Riddance....IMO he and his coach are solely responsible for introducing the cheating element, aka wrestle and win at any cost into the game....I will never forget his reaction while Alex McKinnon lay there crippled.

Man I bloody hate when people say this

How the hell was Smith meant to know what happened to McKinnon? He's not a doctor for Christ's sake, he doesn't have x ray vision he can't see broken bones. He argued to the ref like he's done a million other times and like a million other players have done. Just so happened that McKinnon was hurt bad

Fair enough if you don't like the grubby tactics he did on the field but I can't see how him talking to the ref in that situation somehow makes him a monster

There was a fair bit of media around (pretty sure McKinnon himself said it as well) that he was telling quite distinctly that he could not feel his legs.
Watching it live at the time it was blatantly obvious he was in serious trouble (perhaps not to the extent it turned out) but Smith chose to keep carrying on for a fair while when the medicab was out, neck was stabilised etc.
He is a germ. Not a bad football player.....Johns, Thurston, Lockyer at least of modern day players were better though IMO.

That is an out and out lie that he carried on while the medicab was on the field. He asked what the penalty was for then stood back and waited till McKinnon was off

Please watch to mend your selective memory

https://youtu.be/GC1CCzBJDnE

The actual fact that he still continued to carry on AFTER McKinnon had treatment and was driven off the field makes him even more of a germ, thanks for clarifying.
Playing the victim after a bloke is carted off in serious trouble just highlights what a maggot he is. People don't despise the bloke for no reason.

So I take it you won't be picking Melbourne in the Last Man Standing comp which starts TONIGHT..