Cameron Smith takes aim at controversial NRL move after Andrew Johns and Wally Lewis speak out
The living NRL Immortals were left in the dark and the drama has continued.
Storm legend Cameron Smith has questioned why the game did not approach NRL Immortals Andrew Johns and Wally Lewis for their opinion after Ron Coote was inducted into the illustrious group. Smith was reported as the frontrunner to be included as the 15th Immortal, but the honour went to South Sydney and Eastern Suburbs legend Coote.
The NRL community was thrilled with Coote's inclusion with the six-time premiership winner emotional upon accepting the honour. However, ahead of the ceremony Johns admitted he was upset considering he was not approached for a vote on who should be the next Immortal.
Johns claimed he was only told about his role during the ceremony days out, rather than being included in the voting process over who would be inducted next. Living NRL Immortals have often had a vote on the next inductee.
Mal Meninga and Wally Lewis also expressed their surprise having not been approached for a say ahead of the ceremony. "It's disrespectful," Johns said on the 'Freddy and the Eighth' podcast ahead of the ceremony.
"I haven't had a phone call. Not one phone call about it. As of Monday, I didn't know there was going to be another Immortal being inducted. I thought it was just Hall of Fame. Not myself, not Wally, not Mal. I know they're disappointed. I know Rabs (Warren) is disappointed. Rabs is very disappointed."
Lewis said he was more surprised there wasn't an invitation to be involved. "I’m not upset. I’m just a bit surprised. I have [voted] previously," he said. Legendary commentator Ray Warren also wasn't part of it, despite himself, Lewis and Meninga voting on previous Hall of Fame and Immortal panels.
The NRL opted to move in a different direction in 2024 and included a 14-person panel to vote on the game's next Immortal. And while Smith missed out on being the next Immortal, the legendary No.9 claimed it was odd the NRL did not to approach the living legends of the game. This comes after he suggested the Immortals that are still alive should be celebrated at more events throughout the season.
"There was a discussion around the decision around who was going to be the next Immortal and they asked Andrew Johns and he said 'we haven't been contacted at all,'" Smith said when talking about the controversy. "The only conversation they had was around the duties they were requested for on the night.
"Look, if you are in that prestigious group and there is consideration for a new Immortal to go up, should they not be consulted about it? Just to get their view. Even if it is not a vote, surely they should get their opinion across?" When asked about whether the game needs to use the living Immortals better, Smith agreed.
"All the big events, get them out there," Smith added when questioned to why we don't see the illustrious group at NRL events. While Smith didn't get selected for the group this time around he shared a funny story about his father's admiration for Coote.
Cameron Smith's hilarious Ron Coote claim about father
While Smith may have missed out on becoming teh 15th Immortal, the Storm legend admitted his father may have been slightly happy to see Coote get the nod. Smith admitted Coote was his father's favourite player growing up and there was little doubt the Rabbitohs icon deserved his recognition.
"I was having a bit of a chuckle to myself. My name was tossed about, potentially to go up in that sort of group. But I reckon my old man would have been a little bit disappointed if Ron Coote didn't go up," Smith said having a laugh.
RELATED:
John Hopoate hit with life ban over 'disgraceful' scenes at club function
Calls for NRL to take action over contentious Melbourne Storm move
Nathan Cleary drama worsens as Panthers rocked by brutal new blow
"My old man's a Rabbitohs fan. He was born in '57. Ronnie Coote, he was the bees knees. I reckon my old man was pretty happy that Coote's name was called out, not mine."
A rangy lock forward, Coote won four premierships with South Sydney between 1967 and 1971, before shifting to Eastern Suburbs in a hugely controversial move and winnings two more titles in 1974 and 1975. He was man of the match in the 1971 grand final, and is one of only five players in Australian rugby league history to have played in nine grand finals.
