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7th Tackle: How close Cam Smith came to joining Broncos

There’s a great book inside Cameron Smith, and when it’s finally released one of the most intriguing chapters will be just how close he was to becoming a Brisbane Bronco.

At a luncheon in the lead-up to Smith’s 350-game milestone and Old Boys Day a fortnight ago, Storm coach Craig Bellamy revealed to the gathering that his star hooker had decided to return home to Brisbane midway through 2013.

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At the time, Smith had a further season to run on his contract in Melbourne – and intended to fulfil it before packing his bags to continue with the Broncos in 2015.

He confided the news to Bellamy during a team camp at Port Stephens and the coach was genuinely shattered.

Smith is celebrate before his 350th game. Pic: Getty
Smith is celebrate before his 350th game. Pic: Getty

The pair sat under the goal posts at the end of an empty training paddock and talked things over.

Aware of Smith’s family roots in Brisbane, Bellamy didn’t attempt to change his mind.

Instead, he spent the next few months trying to plan for life after his most cherished player.

It wasn’t until early in 2014 that Smith began to waver.

In March of that year he re-signed with the Storm on his current deal, which runs until the end of next season.

Why the change of heart? Bellamy didn’t reveal that to the Old Boys.

We might have to wait for the first print run on Smith’s book to find out.