No revolt over pay, says Smith

MELBOURNE Storm champion Cameron Smith has furiously denied claims that player greed threatened to stall the NRL resumption.

“I can’t stress enough how keen players are at all clubs to get back to training and kickoff on May 28,” Smith said.

In an exclusive interview that explains the players’ position, Smith insists there was never the threat of a player revolt or a pay dispute.

“We’re acutely aware of what’s happening in the community in different industries and businesses,” he said. “People have taken pay cuts and lost their jobs. There’s a lot of pain out there.

“... If getting the footy back helps, we can’t wait.”

There had been much community backlash over speculation of a pay war while NRL bosses Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo thrash out a new TV broadcast deal with Channel Nine and Fox Sports.

Smith insists this was never the case and understands the game is faced with losing up to $80 million from the networks this year.

“It was disappointing it was presented as a player revolt and a pay dispute,” said the 413-game veteran. “At no stage were the players going to refuse to turn up.

“I think 80 per cent (of our contracts are) fair.

“We get that times are tough and we understand the NRL doesn’t have a broadcast deal.”