‘Indulgent’: Australia reacts to Cameron Smith’s retirement announcement

Plenty of footy fans showered Cameron Smith with love after he announced his retirement — but a minority took exception to one issue.

Even in retirement, Cameron Smith can’t win.

While the overwhelming response to news of the NRL legend’s retirement was one of admiration, not everyone was impressed with the timing of the announcement.

Smith ended months of speculation about his future by officially announcing his retirement in Melbourne on Wednesday afternoon, at the unveiling of statues for both himself and former Storm teammate Billy Slater at AAMI Park.

The 37-year-old said he made the decision a week ago he wasn’t going to play on in 2021 — despite rumours he might sign with the Broncos or Titans after moving to the Gold Coast — but thought it was best to wait until today to go public.

“The unveiling of the statue was today and I knew I was going to be in Melbourne so it was the perfect opportunity to announce my decision seeing as this was where I — and Billy — started our career, right here in Olympic Park in 2002,” Smith said.

“This is where I wanted to officially end it as well. And I had the opportunity to stand next to my good friend Billy too when I announced it.”

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However, some footy fans were unimpressed Smith waited until the day before the season starts to make his announcement, accusing him of hogging the limelight.

Speaking on NRL 360, co-host Paul Kent said: “He’s waited until the day before the competition starts, when we all should be talking about tomorrow night’s game and the opening round — and now we’re talking about Cameron.

“He could have said it a month ago and he could have had his day in the sun for days!”

Kent’s co-host and former NRL star Ben Ikin added: “That’s what I can’t reconcile. For a player who was so deliberate on the footy field, this whole retirement thing has seemingly been so clunky.”

Kent replied: “Do you really think so, or is this about him (being the centre of attention)?”

Some on social media took exception too. Scott Phillips tweeted: “I don’t know Cam Smith. I have no bone to pick with him. A wonderful player who could’ve played on. But the saga — then the timing, the day before the season starts — it’s sub-optimal, to say the least.”

Richard McGregor wrote: “Somehow, the timing of this announcement makes it both deeply indulgent, and an anti-climax.”

Former journalist Michael Cowley added: “Wonder when Cameron Smith decided that the perfect time to announce his retirement would be the day before the competition was to begin? So good he can share the headlines with the opening of the new season #nrl #Smith #MoveOn.”

Author Peter FitzSimons sarcastically tweeted: “Why so soon? Surely he could have left the announcement until they run out tomorrow evening?”

Smith knew the time was right to walk away.

‘THE BEST PLAYER THE GAME HAS EVER SEEN’

Despite being arguably the greatest player we’ve ever seen, Smith has always been a polarising figure among fans, some of whom believe he does more officiating on the field than the referees. Being caught up in the Storm salary cap scandal didn’t help either.

But Smith has plenty of supporters too.

“I find it truly bizarre that anyone who claims to be a rugby league fan is celebrating Cam Smith’s departure from the game,” NRL podcaster Matt Bungard tweeted.

“Never had an off-field behaviour scandal, well-spoken, fantastic player … and yet he’s always copped absurd amounts of hate. I’ll never understand why.”

Despite the critics, there’s no doubt Smith’s legacy is unmatched in the sport and he deserves all the accolades he gets.

He played 433 games for Melbourne — becoming the first player to ever break the 400-game barrier — and represented Queensland 42 times, to go with his 56 Tests for Australia.

The smartest operator in the game, Smith was renowned for controlling a contest from dummy-half and picking the opposition apart like a surgeon.

It’s why the outpouring of goodwill following his retirement announcement far outweighed the negativity.

Speaking alongside Smith at AAMI Park, Slater heaped praise on his former captain.

“He’s done a whole heap for the game,” Slater told reporters. “I don’t know of a more influential player that’s played the game.

“I find it really hard to compare positions and eras, but I don’t know of a more influential player in rugby league than Cameron Smith.”

Storm coach Craig Bellamy said: “I think he’s obviously the greatest player that I’ve ever seen.

“The success he’s had and as captain as well is quite remarkable.

“That hasn’t been done in the game before, and I really can’t see it happening again.

“I have no hesitation in my opinion that he’s the best player the game has ever seen.”

All hail the GOAT.

Plenty on social media were quick to pay their respects too.

Rugby league writer Brent Read tweeted: “Hell of a career Cam Smith. The greatest player of his generation, maybe the best there has ever been.”

Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen wrote: “Still can’t believe I got to take the field with the (GOAT). Deserves all the best in retirement. Hard to see his record ever being broken. Legend.”

Journalist Nick Campton said: “Nobody in the history of rugby league has ever been as good as Cameron Smith was for as long as he was. The kind of player who doesn’t come along once in a lifetime, but once in the lifetime of a sport. The best I’ve ever seen.”

Footy players including Suliasi Vunivalu and Young Tonumaipea also paid tribute to Smith on the Storm’s Instagram post announcing his retirement.

Reporter Scott Bailey tweeted: “Cameron Smith the absolute greatest player I’ve seen. The subtleties and the way he could control a game was something to behold.

“There’s a reason why teams he play in just win. Deserves every accolade today and glad he finishes as a one-club player.”