Smith started the morning planning to promote his autobiography, but he spent most of his time putting out brushfires. He stood accused of rewriting history, from the breakdown of his relationship with Cooper Cronk to the salary cap sanctions rubber-stamped by former NRL chief executive David Gallop.
He was also been accused of ducking and weaving the backlash after cancelling a suite of interviews on Monday, Smith confirming a family matter had taken precedent over publicising his own memoirs.
“Unfortunately, I had to change my plans,” he said.
“As you know, family comes first. I know there were some people who were disappointed, but the reaction from some people to say I was dodging and weaving — tell me the last time I dodged and weaved a couple of people’s opinions.
“Come on. I am not shocked by it at all. My thoughts I have on it is that it is crazy the interest I seem to create among the media. All I ever wanted to do was play footy and live my life.
“I have never wanted to be part of the media scene, be in the headlines or create controversy. I am a simple person. I am from Logan — I was raised by a brickie and a mum who stayed at home.
“I just wanted to live a simple life.”
It’s not that easy when you are arguably the greatest player who has ever lived. Even harder when you bring out an autobiography that details your career, including your version of some of the most controversial incidents of the past decade.
There has been an almost voyeuristic obsession with his relationship with Cronk in recent years, the pair seemingly falling out after Cronk left Melbourne to join the Sydney Roosters.
Smith insists he still doesn’t know the root of the problem. Others have suggested it has to do with his response to Cronk’s move to the Roosters and his decision not to attend his long-time teammate’s wedding. They accuse Smith of being loose with the truth.
“Autobiographies are my thoughts and my versions,” Smith said.
“My thoughts on Coops and my relationship is that there was the awkward moment in Adelaide (after Melbourne played the Roosters) that happened, and I could not recall ever having an argument or disagreement with Cooper about our relationship.
“I haven’t heard anything different from Coops either. The story saying he is upset that I didn’t attend his wedding, Cooper has never said that to me.
“Coops was a huge part of what not only the Melbourne Storm achieved over a long period of time, but also me personally. To say I don’t want to be friends with Cooper, that is not true.”
He remarkably started his day by suggesting wrestling was a good thing during a radio interview. He pointed out it was from a purely selfish point of view, but in doing so he handed his critics more ammunition and created more headlines.
Smith didn’t introduce wrestling to the game. Such is his rugby league nous and dedication, he picked it up faster and put it into action better than anyone. The same traits that made him a superstar, also made him the poster boy for those who bemoan the wrestle.
“From my point of view it is because it has helped me win premierships,” Smith said of his comment that wrestling was a good thing.
“It has helped me become the player I am. Now the only team that is attached to wrestling is the Melbourne Storm. As far as individuals go, I am the man also.
“Someone questioned Wayne (Bennett) and said Cameron Smith had a go at you, saying you brought in wrestling. I didn’t say that.
“What I said was there has been a lot of comments made about the Storm and wrestling. I gave examples of other teams and coaches using wrestling techniques and tactics.”
Smith is yet to announce his plans for next season. There will be a decision before Christmas and Smith laughs as he considers the next step.
He dipped his toe in the commentary waters on Wednesday night as part of the Nine Network’s team for the final State of Origin game.
He has more appearances to promote the book until the start of December. He may sneak in some golf — his namesake Cameron Smith, fresh from his second place at the US Masters, has urged him to play on.
He has been ridiculed for taking so long, yet this is the biggest decision of his career. Should he decide to retire, there will be no turning back.
“It is a difficult one,” Smith said.
“I am 37 and I still feel good, I haven’t woken up or been in the middle of a training session and thought I can’t do this or don’t want to do this any more.
“Nothing has changed from the Melbourne front too. There is no pressure on me, no-one has been hounding me about a decision.
“It is really just working out what the best decision will be not only for myself, but the club as well.”
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