Cameron Smith makes sad revelation as classy message sparks Grand Final demolition

Cameron Smith had a message for his teammates before kick-off and only after the Grand Final did he reveal how big a toll 2020 has taken.

Melbourne Storm showed the difference between experience and enthusiasm, holding on for a 26-20 win against the Penrith Panthers in the NRL Grand Final on Sunday night.

The Victorian side ran out to a 22-0 lead at the break as the Panthers were helpless in the face of a first half onslaught.

Kayo is your ticket to the best sport streaming Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Melbourne had plenty to play for, doing it for their state.

While the unprecedented nature of the season has been spouted ad nauseam throughout 2020, the Storm have felt the brunt of it, being based on the Sunshine Coast all season, but still rolling on to finish second on the ladder.

Before the match, the most experienced of campaigners, Cameron Smith, reminded his players who they were playing for.

On the front of the Storm jersey, Smith pointed to a large V with the statement “Our home, Victoria”.

Message from Cameron Smith to his players just before running out very clear, pointing to the V on their jersey. Go Storm #NRLGF

— Nick Smart (@NickSmart85) October 25, 2020

Post-match, Smith praised his side for an incredible effort, being away from Victoria for months because of COVID-19.

Accepting the trophy, Smith pointed to the V and explained its significance.

“Lastly, to our squad, to all our coaches, and in particular all of our families who have been through a lot this year, they’re just over there, we haven’t been in our house, in our homes, for five months,” he said.

“We haven’t slept in our own beds for five months. And in the last 80 days … we’ve been out of our resort or out of our accommodation twice, but we turned up every day with a great attitude. We turned up every day being resilient and wanting to get better and wanting to get here tonight and win it all, and we’ve done it.

“We’ll remember it for the rest of our lives and a big congratulations to everyone, particularly the boys that are celebrating their first premiership. Hold on to that forever, boys.

“And lastly, before I go, this big V on my jersey, on our jersey, this is who we’re playing for. Everyone back home in Victoria. This one’s for you, you beauty.”

Smith then fronted the post-match press conference alongside coach Craig Bellamy and fullback and Clive Churchill Medallist Ryan Papenhuyzen and was asked about how tough the year was.

Smith wasn’t able to be joined by his family out on the field after the win.

A reporter asked: “It was a bit emotional for you with your kids, not being able to hug your kids, Cam?”

The hooker was emotional at not being able to celebrate with his children on the field after full-time because of COVID-19 guidelines in place.

Smith went over to the stands but stayed on the other side of the fence as he waved to supporters.

“There have been some strange rules and strange restrictions all year where, ‘That’s OK to do this thing, but you can’t do that thing’,” Smith said.

“I don’t know. If you start thinking and worrying about all these different protocols and restrictions, you’d do your own head in.

“But we knew about those circumstances when we came down to Sydney last night and of course you’d love to embrace your family and hug your children, your wife, your parents, your partner’s wife, whoever it is, your loved ones, because we were out playing those 80 minutes but they’ve been through this entire season with us and going through those challenges.

“They’re just as much a part of what we’ve done tonight as all the players and the coaching staff.”

It was sad to hear one of the most special moments of Smith’s illustrious career couldn’t be celebrated in the way it deserved to be — at least, not immediately.

At Saturday’s AFL Grand Final, Richmond players brought their kids onto the field after beating Geelong and took them onto the podium as they collected their premiership medals.

There were no such scenes at ANZ Stadium for the Storm players, but they could celebrate with loved ones back in the sheds.

Craig Bellamy and Cameron Smith are NRL’s great double act.

Smith once again turned in a vintage performance as the Storm dominated proceedings from the get-go.

Former teammate Billy Slater told Channel 9 Smith was at his scheming best.

“Didn’t he go to work in that first half,” Slater said. “The great number nine, it started with an early kick out of dummy half. He turned the Penrith Panthers around and allowed his aggressive defensive line to get up and apply the pressure on it.

“He kicked multiple penalty goals and it’s just his true indication in defence, he’s so effective in that middle third of the field. He’s suffocating the Penrith Panthers, but picking up the right options and also picking up the first try of his Grand Final career.

“If this is his last game, he’s certainly making it count.”

After Smith scored his try on the stroke of halftime, Channel 9 commentator Erin Molan tweeted: “That try the Clive Churchill wrapped up we think?”

He didn’t end up winning the Clive Churchill Medal, the only award he’s yet to win in the game with fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen named man of the match.

But at 37, with rumours swirling around his retirement, and after 430 games at the top flight, Smith’s legend has continued to grow in 2020.

Cameron Smith another masterclass once again #NRLGF

— Jarrod Evans (@jaaaarod) October 25, 2020

All that time away from home and didn’t complain once. Just did it for Victoria. What an extraordinary club #NRL

— Oliver Caffrey (@ollycaffrey) October 25, 2020

I don't know whether Cameron Smith is going to announce his retirement but at the moment he's far too good to be thinking of quitting. But what an ending to a great career it would be.

— Martyn Sadler (@MartynSadler) October 25, 2020