Barb Smith’s gift rings of wasted money, writes Paul Kent

Cameron Smith’s wife Barb deserves recognition for her role in the game, but the NRL’s diamond ring gift to her could have been put to better use, such as grassroots footy, writes Paul Kent.

Cameron Smith’s wife Barb was given a gift by the NRL. Picture: Adam Head

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The explanation quickly turned into why Barb Smith did not deserve an expensive diamond ring in recognition of her role as a football wife to her husband Cameron through his 400 games.

If that was actually the case, as argued, then surely her husband could have paid for it.

Smith has been among the best paid footballers in the game at least since the time he signed two contracts with Melbourne in 2010. On top of that he earned another $150,000, on reduced tax, as part of his testimonial game in 2018, three seasons before he retired.

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Cameron Smith’s wife Barb was given a gift by the NRL. Picture: Adam Head

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The issue is not whether Barb Smith deserved recognition but whether the money was put to good use.

With bush football struggling, local footballers undergoing their own battles, junior footy in decline, surely the money could have been better used than a lavish gift on one of the top earners in the game.

How many tackle bags for poor junior footy teams could it buy? For those defending the NRL’s move, what if it were a politician gifting someone?

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Taylor’s fall from grace is worth deeper consideration for the NRL and raises the prospect of whether the NRL needs to introduce capped salaries for young footballers in a bid to prevent them growing too big, too fast.

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Other sports have them, stopping young men from earning exorbitant incomes which often leads quickly to the fast life and, sadly, a fast decline.

It also means the player will make a contractual decision based on what is best for his development rather than simply where he will earn the most money.

Originally published as Barb Smith’s gift rings of wasted money, writes Paul Kent