Cameron Smith Supports Craig Bellamy’s Departure from NSW in Strong Statement to Storm

Cameron Smith, a legend of the Queensland Maroons, has expressed his belief that Craig Bellamy has made the appropriate decision to resign from his involvement with NSW coaching duties, especially in light of Melbourne’s current dismal performance.

Back in February, prior to the season kick-off, Wide World of Sports’ The Mole had reported that Bellamy would not be continuing as a coaching consultant, and this has now been officially confirmed two months on.

The Storm have suffered six consecutive losses, with an embarrassing defeat to the Rabbitohs on Saturday, prompting Bellamy to state, “It’s the most embarrassed I’ve ever been in my footy life”.

Smith remarked that his former coach’s choice to concentrate entirely on the Storm is both necessary and sensible.

“I recall when he coached the Blues back in 2008, ’09, and ’10, he mentioned that it detracted significantly from his club’s preparation,” the legendary hooker shared during an appearance on Nine’s 100% Footy.

“With his team currently facing a challenging period, I believe he’s made the right decision to refocus on the Storm.”

Discussing Melbourne’s current form, Smith noted that it is “unfamiliar territory” for the players involved.

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The club’s icon described the atmosphere among the players as “flat” and “lacking in confidence,” reminiscing about the 2012 season when his team endured five consecutive losses, highlighting a significant conversation with Bellamy during that time.

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“I remember the fifth game in a row that we lost against the Dragons at WIN Stadium. Craig Bellamy walked out onto the field to meet me post-match and told me, ‘I don’t know where to go from here,'” Smith recounted.

“What we discussed afterwards was to simplify our game plan—focus on the basics, make our tackles, complete our sets, and put in the hard yards. It worked, and it did turn around.”

“We didn’t lose another game for the rest of that season once we streamlined our approach and simplified our training.”

Smith also highlighted comments made by Cameron Munster and Harry Grant following the loss to the Rabbitohs, expressing their confusion as to why their training efforts weren’t translating into match performances.

“This is a positive sign,” he noted.

“If their training and preparation were subpar, it would signal a larger issue at play. They just need to persist with it.”

The Storm are set to face the Dolphins next on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.