Smith gets key backing as Australia's next coach
Australia will embark on a Kangaroo Tour at the end of the year and a new mentor is set to be appointed to replace recently appointed Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga.
With Brad Fittler withdrawing his candidacy Smith now heads the list of potential coaches, with Kevin Walters also in the frame.
Smith has seen it all, done it all and his 42 State of Origin games for Queensland, 56 Tests for Australia and 430 matches for Melbourne stand as testament to his understanding of the game and its players at every level.
"His credentials and resume is probably the best that the game's ever seen, Maroon captain Cameron Munster said.
"When he talks, you listen. If you don't know Cameron Smith, you will eventually when he talks to you. He's got that aura about him. He's a bit like Mal.
"I know he's a Queenslander, but he'll pick the best possible squad for the Aussies that he thinks is going to get the job done.
"There's no better person than Smithy to get the job."
Storm captain Harry Grant made the point that Smith would also make the performances of leading players even better.
"He's seen how different people operate over the years but I think what he will do is bring so much knowledge," Grant said.
"There is also that element of education and learning for some of the best players in the game that want to keep developing. You think of guys like Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Payne Haas, Nathan Cleary … I'm sure they are going to look at Cam Smith and want to play under him and learn from him."
While Smith appeared to play the game like a grand chess master multiple steps ahead of his opponents, Munster said he had a simplicity to his methods that have been the hallmarks of the great coaches like Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy.
"He just keeps it simple for players. It sounds stupid because everyone probably dissects rugby league and makes it this big geometry lesson or some mathematical equation," Munster said.
"Realistically it's just simple ... run hard and tackle hard. I know that sounds silly at times, but that's what Smithy's done.
"If it was a bigger game, the simpler the game plan. That's all you need to focus on. The big things will happen eventually."
Not every player has athletic supremacy. Smith was not the biggest, quickest or strongest, but his knowledge of how to be an elite performer make him stand out.
That quality, as a coach, would assist any player find their best performance, including Munster.
"He's got a body like an accountant. I don't know how he got through so many games. He's just so durable," Munster said.
"He was dominated by most forwards in our defensive sessions at training. He's just a smart man and it's just crazy.
"I've been able to play with him in one game in Origin, which I was very thankful for, but I played a fair few Storm games with him.
"Sometimes you take it for granted with the way he played and his game management. I'm still trying to learn that. The first couple of years when he left, I probably took it for granted and didn't realise how much I needed to understand the game management side of the game."
Cameron Smith has put his hand up to be the next Australia coach and two of the best players in the game insist his credentials are unmatched for the role.
Australia will embark on a Kangaroo Tour at the end of the year and a new mentor is set to be appointed to replace recently appointed Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga.
With Brad Fittler withdrawing his candidacy Smith now heads the list of potential coaches, with Kevin Walters also in the frame.
Smith has seen it all, done it all and his 42 State of Origin games for Queensland, 56 Tests for Australia and 430 matches for Melbourne stand as testament to his understanding of the game and its players at every level.
"His credentials and resume is probably the best that the game's ever seen, Maroon captain Cameron Munster said.
"When he talks, you listen. If you don't know Cameron Smith, you will eventually when he talks to you. He's got that aura about him. He's a bit like Mal.
"I know he's a Queenslander, but he'll pick the best possible squad for the Aussies that he thinks is going to get the job done.
"There's no better person than Smithy to get the job."
Storm captain Harry Grant made the point that Smith would also make the performances of leading players even better.
"He's seen how different people operate over the years but I think what he will do is bring so much knowledge," Grant said.
"There is also that element of education and learning for some of the best players in the game that want to keep developing. You think of guys like Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Payne Haas, Nathan Cleary … I'm sure they are going to look at Cam Smith and want to play under him and learn from him."
While Smith appeared to play the game like a grand chess master multiple steps ahead of his opponents, Munster said he had a simplicity to his methods that have been the hallmarks of the great coaches like Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy.
"He just keeps it simple for players. It sounds stupid because everyone probably dissects rugby league and makes it this big geometry lesson or some mathematical equation," Munster said.
"Realistically it's just simple ... run hard and tackle hard. I know that sounds silly at times, but that's what Smithy's done.
"If it was a bigger game, the simpler the game plan. That's all you need to focus on. The big things will happen eventually."
Not every player has athletic supremacy. Smith was not the biggest, quickest or strongest, but his knowledge of how to be an elite performer make him stand out.
That quality, as a coach, would assist any player find their best performance, including Munster.
"He's got a body like an accountant. I don't know how he got through so many games. He's just so durable," Munster said.
"He was dominated by most forwards in our defensive sessions at training. He's just a smart man and it's just crazy.
"I've been able to play with him in one game in Origin, which I was very thankful for, but I played a fair few Storm games with him.
"Sometimes you take it for granted with the way he played and his game management. I'm still trying to learn that. The first couple of years when he left, I probably took it for granted and didn't realise how much I needed to understand the game management side of the game."
Cameron Smith has put his hand up to be the next Australia coach and two of the best players in the game insist his credentials are unmatched for the role.
Australia will embark on a Kangaroo Tour at the end of the year and a new mentor is set to be appointed to replace recently appointed Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga.
With Brad Fittler withdrawing his candidacy Smith now heads the list of potential coaches, with Kevin Walters also in the frame.
Smith has seen it all, done it all and his 42 State of Origin games for Queensland, 56 Tests for Australia and 430 matches for Melbourne stand as testament to his understanding of the game and its players at every level.
"His credentials and resume is probably the best that the game's ever seen, Maroon captain Cameron Munster said.
"When he talks, you listen. If you don't know Cameron Smith, you will eventually when he talks to you. He's got that aura about him. He's a bit like Mal.
"I know he's a Queenslander, but he'll pick the best possible squad for the Aussies that he thinks is going to get the job done.
"There's no better person than Smithy to get the job."
Storm captain Harry Grant made the point that Smith would also make the performances of leading players even better.
"He's seen how different people operate over the years but I think what he will do is bring so much knowledge," Grant said.
"There is also that element of education and learning for some of the best players in the game that want to keep developing. You think of guys like Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Payne Haas, Nathan Cleary … I'm sure they are going to look at Cam Smith and want to play under him and learn from him."
While Smith appeared to play the game like a grand chess master multiple steps ahead of his opponents, Munster said he had a simplicity to his methods that have been the hallmarks of the great coaches like Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy.
"He just keeps it simple for players. It sounds stupid because everyone probably dissects rugby league and makes it this big geometry lesson or some mathematical equation," Munster said.
"Realistically it's just simple ... run hard and tackle hard. I know that sounds silly at times, but that's what Smithy's done.
"If it was a bigger game, the simpler the game plan. That's all you need to focus on. The big things will happen eventually."
Not every player has athletic supremacy. Smith was not the biggest, quickest or strongest, but his knowledge of how to be an elite performer make him stand out.
That quality, as a coach, would assist any player find their best performance, including Munster.
"He's got a body like an accountant. I don't know how he got through so many games. He's just so durable," Munster said.
"He was dominated by most forwards in our defensive sessions at training. He's just a smart man and it's just crazy.
"I've been able to play with him in one game in Origin, which I was very thankful for, but I played a fair few Storm games with him.
"Sometimes you take it for granted with the way he played and his game management. I'm still trying to learn that. The first couple of years when he left, I probably took it for granted and didn't realise how much I needed to understand the game management side of the game."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
31 minutes ago
- ABC News
NSW Blues player Payne Haas praises Broncos teammate and Queensland rival Gehamat Shibasaki ahead of State of Origin III
Payne Haas could see the difference in Queensland State of Origin bolter Gehamat Shibasaki from the moment he arrived at Brisbane training this pre-season. Teenage teammates at the Broncos, Shibasaki and Haas will play on opposing teams in a senior match for just the second time in next week's series decider. ABC Sport will have live blog coverage of the State of Origin series. But their path from Brisbane's U20s team in 2017 to Stadium Australia next Wednesday night could not be any more different. While Haas has been one of the NRL's best front-rower for the past five years at Brisbane, Shibisaki has been on rollercoaster ride to crack it in first grade. Like Haas, the centre debuted at the Broncos in 2018 but found himself out the door to Newcastle where he also struggled for game time. A move to Japanese rugby with the Green Rockets Tokatsu followed in 2022, before he took up a train-and-trial deal with the North Queensland Cowboys. The 26-year-old then spent last year playing Queensland Cup in Townsville, and time on a week-to-week contract arrangement with South Sydney during their injury crisis. Another a train-and-trial deal came at Brisbane this year, where Shibasaki was reunited with Haas and clearly a different man to the one who left. "He's way more dialled in," Haas said. "He took his training more seriously, the way was eating, the way he was preparing for training, it was cool to see. "I knew he was serious about it. I knew he knew this was his last shot. He took it with both hands and he's never looked back." The difference is telling. Shibasaki's selection for Queensland is about as left field as it gets, but it comes after a year where he has scored 12 tries in 15 games for the Broncos. The centre has become the first player in history to be picked to play Origin while on a development deal. Haas insisted Shibasaki's talent had always been there, even if it had taken until seven years after his NRL debut for him to become a top-grade regular. "He's always been gifted, he was one of the best players growing up when we were kids," Haas said. "He lost his way a bit the last few years. But he's found his way back and I'm super proud of him. "He worked so hard, this was his last shot and he's taken it with both hands. "I just hate that he's a Queenslander." AAP
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
‘I will hate him next Wednesday': Blues show Origin rookie Gehamat Shibasaki plenty of respect
Blues centre Stephen Crichton has downplayed the notion that his side will go after Gehamat Shibasaki next week when the Maroons centre makes his State of Origin debut with the series on the line. Shibasaki has earnt his spot on the back of three-straight try doubles for the Broncos, with Queensland coach Billy Slater opting to bring him in after he moved Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback to replace the injured Kalyn Ponga. Slater could have easily brought Reece Walsh in to play fullback but has instead backed Shibasaki to get the job done against arguably the best centre in the world. The pair met earlier this year when Brisbane ended Canterbury's six-match winning streak to start the season, with Shibasaki scoring one of their six first-half tries when Crichton was trapped at marker in defence. The Bulldogs skipper has nothing but respect for a guy whose NRL career was at a crossroads last year, with the Blues to have a significant advantage in experience out wide with Latrell Mitchell up against Roosters rookie Robert Toia. 'Not really,' Crichton replied when asked if NSW would target the Origin debutant. 'I feel like there are two parts to the game – the physical side and the mental side. 'It's mental all the way up until game day for me as I try to get my role right at training before putting it out on the field. 'The physicality comes because it's Origin, it's game three and it's a decider as well. 'He's such a good player. I feel like he's been playing his best footy the past couple of weeks leading into his Origin selection. 'There is going to be a lot of talk around it, but I feel like the Origin arena brings out the best in everyone regardless of whether you haven't played a game because you're always going to turn up and play your best.' Shibasaki has scored more tries this season than he has in the rest of his NRL career combined, with the powerful centre no stranger to the Maroons jersey having worn it several times in the junior ranks. He played three matches for the Queensland under-20 team, while he also lined up alongside Zac Lomax in the centres for the Junior Kangaroos back in 2018. He has been the constant on the left edge for a Broncos team that has made several changes to the backline, but teammate Payne Haas will switch his respect for animosity when they square off next week. 'I'm super proud of him,' the Blues prop said. 'He came in (to the Broncos) on a train and trial (deal) and worked his backside off to get to where he is now. 'I'm really proud of him, but I will hate him next Wednesday.'
7NEWS
an hour ago
- 7NEWS
Australian veteran batter Steve Smith back for Test against West Indies
Steve Smith is back. Just 20 days after suffering a nasty compound dislocation of his finger, Australian captain Pat Cummins has confirmed that the star batter will return for Australia's second Test against the West Indies. Smith couldn't take any further part in the World Test Championship final at Lord's after being forced to hospital following a nasty incident in the field on day three. But Smith avoided surgery, instead wearing a splint on his right little finger while it heals. The 36-year-old spent time at his second home in New York after the WTC defeat in London, before flying to join his teammates in the Caribbean. Smith batted in the nets for the first time on Tuesday in a clear sign he is desperate to return for the match at Grenada's National Stadium. 'He's ready to go. The finger held up well. He was really happy, particularly batting,' Australian captain Pat Cummins said. 'Fielding we still potentially need to manage it a little bit, so he might not be in the slips too often. Maybe for spin he'll be OK, but (for the) quicks he might need to wait another week. 'So you might see him running around a bit more … probably some variation (between) mid-off and fine leg, (but) we'll see if he lasts a few days down at fine leg. I reckon he'll be itching to get up in the circle pretty quick.' Australia has never played a Test at the Grenada stadium and Cummins said Smith's wise head on unfamiliar territory would come in handy. 'That's one of his great strengths,' Cummins said. 'He's scored runs all over the world and that means that while he's not played a game here, he seems to work out pretty quickly what needs to be done and where your scoring areas are. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey said 'anytime you add 10,000 runs back into the line-up, you're going to be pretty happy with it'. 'He seems pretty confident, so he's excited to get back in,' Carey said. 'It's been tough at the top of the order, so to add a little bit more experience is good for the group, but I think they've (been) doing a pretty good job.' Sadly for Josh Inglis, who batted at No.4 in the first Test and was dismissed playing ordinary shots for 5 and 12, he will be left out and Marnus Labuschagne will again be left on the sidelines. But Australia are determined to give teenage opener Sam Konstas an extended run despite the fact he was bossed by Windies spearhead Shamar Joseph. Cameron Green also struggled in his second straight Test at No.3, but is in a similar position to Konstas where he won't be dropped. One of Australia's greatest fielders, Smith is expected to be forced out of the slips cordon to mid-off or fine leg. When he dislocated his finger against South Africa, Smith was standing at a close slip with a helmet on due to many edges in the WTC final not carrying. But the one edge that did carry travelled like a bullet, damaging Smith's finger and leaving the Proteas in the box seat to pull off the upset victory. Australia will retain the Frank Worrell Trophy, which they have held since 1995, if they back up their 159-run win in the first Test. Joseph caused Australia dramas in Bridgetown by taking nine wickets, backing up his match-winning heroics from the Gabba in January 2024.
