NRL star Paul Gallen dismissed criticism of Cameron Smith’s post-game address to the New Zealand Warriors as a major poppy syndrome.
Smith has stopped the social media backlash for the address in the locker room that came after a 50-6 win at Storm.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy and Storm Assistant Ryan Hoffman – a former Warriors player – also spoke to the defeated New Zealand team. Still, the future Immortal Smith predictably wore the flak when the gesture of respect was misunderstood as condescension.
The Storm heavyweights thanked the Warriors players for their victim for the newly launched NRL competition, which saw them leave their families and set up camp in Australia.
“I had Ryan Hoffman on the [Sunday] Footy Show and he addressed it; They were really worried that it would look condescending or condescending to the warriors, “Gallen continued Wide World of Sports’ The final whistle.
“I’m really glad that he mentioned that because when you see this vision for the first time, a lot of people can understand why you think that. How would [Warriors caretaker coach] Todd Payten the feeling when the opposing coach and captain came in?
“The social media stuff is just a big poppy syndrome against Cam Smith. I wouldn’t worry too much about it, and I doubt that Cameron Smith would worry too.”
“I’m glad the Melbourne Storm raised it, and after hearing that and the reason they went in there, I think the Melbourne Storm made it pretty good.”
Gallen said he was concerned that one-sided results could become commonplace for warriors under such difficult circumstances.
“I have said from day one what is going on on this side of the warriors. People underestimate the sacrifice they make to be out here,” Gallen said.
“What they do to keep this game going, to be away from their family and friends is huge, and I really don’t think people understand how big it is.
“I say that on the long Kangaroo tour, I saw adult men behave after being three or four weeks away from their loved ones and their families.
“And I’m talking about being in cities like London and Manchester, where you can do what you want. These people are stuck on the Central Coast and don’t have much to do.
“I take my hat off for what they’re doing, but I’m afraid I think there will be a few more results like this for the rest of the season for the Warriors.”
Hoffman unveils Storm’s message to Warriors
Legendary trainer Phil Gould agreed that a Warriors break-in was inevitable.
“I felt absolutely like that. It will be very difficult for her,” he said The final whistle Supporting Smith, Bellamy and Hoffman in their gesture to the team.
“There is no way in the world that Craig Bellamy would be part of anything condescending when he visited the opposition dressing room.
“I think we need to see more of it. I think the Warriors need a lot of support from the other players in the game because the players have problems and the club has problems. But we need them to keep playing.” to fulfill our broadcasting law contract to keep everyone else in the field.
“I know it’s difficult at the moment, but there are a lot of people who are much worse off than the Warriors players. It is only a short time to make sacrifices. Hopefully they will be home soon and we will come . ” back home and away [games].
“There is a real connection between these two clubs [Storm and Warriors]There are also many employees who have changed hands over the years, and Craig Bellamy would not have been part of anything condescending.
“It is not unnatural for a coach and a captain to visit the opposition changing room at different times in certain circumstances. It has happened many times.”
“I applaud what they tried there and I applaud how the warriors accepted it. And hopefully it gives them a boost because we need them to keep playing, we really do. We know they are fighting , But we need her.” keep playing. “
NRL Highlights: Storm v Warriors – Round 7
Former Jillaroos star Allana Ferguson said Smith has become an easy target for criticism.
“When someone is so good at what they do, how they wear themselves, and how they play football, people always want to overthrow successful people,” Ferguson said The final whistle.
“This is another little example of this, but I’m with Gus – they (Smith and Bellamy) are two very highly respected people inside or in the game, and I very much doubt that they would ever do anything to knock someone down, but only trying to be the best version of yourself for our game. “
