"Smith to replace Bellamy": Fresh theory after Broncos move

Even Michael Maguire admitted he had to do a double take when Cam Smith first appeared in Broncos kit after it was confirmed he had taken a mentoring role with the Brisbane club.

The Melbourne Storm legend left a few jaws on the floor within the NRL fraternity when the agreement between he and Madge was announced this week, with the acquisition being dubbed one of the club’s greatest coups in their 38-year history.

Smith, the NRL’s most-capped player with 430 games to his name, was a one club man with the Storm with whom he has held an ambassadorial role since retiring in 2021.

While defection to work with Storm’s rival may have surprised some, SEN’s Mat Rogers believes there is a far bigger plan in play.

“I was really shocked to be honest, it’s a great get for the Broncos but I’m shocked Melbourne don't have him working for them,” Rogers said on Monday night.

“Smith lives on the Gold Coast, I’m surprised the Titans didn’t ask.

“I like the fact Cam is back in the game at the highest level but I’m reading it like Madge and Bellyache are good mates; Madge worked for Bellyache.

“Cam lives here (QLD), is he working for the Broncos to prepare himself to take over as the head coach of the Melbourne Storm?

“I think Melbourne need someone internal, someone that has been there and that understands the system.

“Bellyache has been there 20 years; he has set a standard. Smith has been at the helm of that standard for so long.

“Madge was there as assistant coach; he knows the standards. Maybe I am wrong, but I think that could be it. He would be a great head coach. He is so controlled, he was never flustered.”

It’s being widely reported Smith will not be making daily appearance at Red Hill but will spend time focused particularly on Reece Walsh and his development.

As the Broncos prepare to go back-to-back, Michael Maguire said Smith’s presence will bring a great energy to the playing group.

“I won’t lie; I did do a double take when I saw him in the gear,” Maguire told SENQ Breakfast. “But it’s great to have someone of his stature and all his experience.

“He will work with our leaders, me and the coaching staff and he chimes in where he can. He talks to the players about their game, but its broad role, we’re not painting him into one specific area because of the nature of the way he gets around people.

“I’ve always known him – even as a younger lad – he’s always wanted to make people around him better and I’m looking forward to seeing him do that now in the capacity that he is at. He is a great get for the club and I think he will be tremendous for us.”