Smith plots payback in an Ashes grudge match
CAMERON Smith is plotting the ultimate payback on Wayne Bennett as the Kangaroos skipper outlined plans to continue his Test and Origin career beyond Saturday night’s World Cup final.
The Ashes-infused decider between Australia and England at Suncorp Stadium is Smith’s chance to heal the scars of the Kangaroos’ shock World Cup final loss to New Zealand at the same venue almost 10 years ago.
Smith was just 13 games into his 55-Test career in 2008 when Bennett, acting as an adviser to Steve Kearney, helped the Kiwis to a 34-20 victory in one of the World Cup’s great boilovers.
The Smith-Bennett narrative has had some explosive moments, with the duo at opposite ends of the tragic Alex McKinnon affair that strained relations between Melbourne and Newcastle three years ago.
Now England coach Bennett can break Smith and Australia’s hearts once again after the Poms’ thrilling 20-18 semi-final defeat of Tonga set up a Ashes grudge match at Suncorp.
Smith has lost just six internationals in his glittering 11-year Test career but the pain of watching Bennett and Kearney hugging jubilant Kiwi players on Queensland soil still lingers.
Holding aloft the World Cup trophy this Saturday night will make him complete.
“I had an opportunity in 2008 and we didn’t get the job done that night,” the champion hooker said.
“Maybe I have a few more pieces to add to the puzzle.
“Without doubt winning a World Cup on home soil would be at the top of the tree as far as my Test career goes.
“It was one of the greatest feelings I’ve had winning the World Cup in the UK (four years ago), but that wouldn’t match up against a win here on home soil.
“It would be nice to get a win (this) week, but we know we need to play well to achieve that.”
There are fears Smith may follow the lead of his long-time Test and Origin teammate Johnathan Thurston by walking away from representative football next season.
A World Cup triumph could be viewed as the perfect stage for Smith to draw the curtain on rep football, but at 34, he is leaning towards another 12 months in Queensland and Australia colours.
“If we were to win, that would be jumping the gun to say it would be the end for me,” he said.
“I still enjoy the game as much as I ever have.
“I don’t know whether that is because I know I’m towards the end of my career, but it’s almost like when I first started.
“In the middle of your career you worry about your performance too much and worry about results, whereas right now I just enjoy being out on the paddock with my teammates and enjoy being involved in the big matches.”