Real reasons why Cameron Smith snubbed Broncos, signed with the Melbourne Storm
Melbourne Storm legend Cameron Smith revealed that a pivotal conversation with his parents influenced his decision to join the Storm instead of the Brisbane Broncos, led by Wayne Bennett. Growing up in southeast Queensland, Smith had always aspired to play for the Broncos. During his junior career, he mostly went unnoticed by NRL clubs until the 2000 under-17s Queensland state championship, where he caught the attention of several teams.
On Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, Smith recounted how Anthony Griffin, then involved in the Storm’s recruitment and future coach of the Broncos, Panthers, and Dragons, was the first to offer him a spot. Smith met Griffin and Mark Murray, another key figure in the Storm’s recruitment, with his parents to discuss potential plans for his future with the Storm.
Around the same time, Smith was also contacted by the Broncos for a meeting. He described his 15-minute meeting with Wayne Bennett at Red Hill as the most intimidating moment of his life. Despite the opportunity to stay close to home by signing with the Broncos, Smith’s parents left the decision up to him. They encouraged him to consider where he would have the best opportunity to achieve his dream of playing in the NRL.
Ultimately, Smith chose Melbourne. He debuted for the Storm in 2002 and went on to make 430 appearances over the next 18 seasons, becoming the most capped NRL player in history and one of the greatest players of all time. Smith’s career also included playing under Wayne Bennett during his Origin debut for the Maroons in the 2003 series. He missed only one Origin match between his debut and his retirement from representative football in 2018, due to an elbow injury in the first game of the 2010 series. Smith played a crucial role in the Maroons’ dominance, contributing to their eight consecutive series wins over New South Wales.
