Brandon Smith has hosed down claims he’s fallen out with Storm coach Craig Bellamy and revealed he’s taking a pay cut to join the Roosters next season.
In a wide-ranging interview with News Corp’s Phil Rothfield, Smith called the report about him and Bellamy “absolute bulls**t,” spoke about the “regret” he feels over his infamous podcast interview and cleared up any misconceptions about his move to the Roosters.
Rothfield spoke about the “fascinating” interview on Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast on Sunday.
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“I like him because he’s like Latrell (Mitchell). He’s not programmed, he talks as he sees it,” he said.
The rumour mill was sent into overdrive when The Sydney Morning Herald claimed Smith had “worn out his welcome in Melbourne,” while Bellamy failed to mention the star hooker’s name when thanking the departing players in his final press conference.
But Smith told News Corp there is no bad blood — in fact the two shared a special moment in the sheds after the elimination final loss.
“It was so emotional,” Smith said.
“Bellsa came up to talk to me and thanked me for everything I’ve done and I thanked him back.
“He kissed me on the forehead and said the kindest things. I just started bawling because I love the man. We then had a piss-up on the Monday after the game and shared some great stories.”
He also took aim at the report for suggesting he and Bellamy weren’t on good terms.
“Seeing that article last week … It was bullshit. To say something like that about our personal relationship … it could not have been further from the truth.
“It was tough to read because we’ve always had a special bond,” Smith said.
“Bellsa doesn’t mind having the odd larrikin around the club. He’s got Munster too and I think he enjoys it.
“People think he’s this angry guy from what you see on TV. He’s actually the opposite.
“There’s a very soft side to him. I’ve spent nearly every day with him for six years. I’d do anything for him. If he asked me to paint his house I wouldn’t hesitate.
“From day one when I announced I was joining the Roosters, he was great. I walked into his office and he said he’d never hold a grudge against me. He treated me like any other player.”
Smith, who conceded his form “wasn’t good enough” this year, has now finished up with the Storm after six seasons and a premiership and will link up with the Roosters on a three-year deal.
The Roosters beat several other interested clubs, including the Dolphins.
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There has been an assumption by some that Smith will enjoy a healthy pay rise when he makes the move to Bondi, but the 26-year-old revealed he will earn $100,000 less a season than what he could have gotten had he re-signed with the Storm.
The Roosters deal is also $200,000 less a year than what the Dolphins offered.
“A few people tried to suggest I left because I was money hungry,” he said. “That could not be further from the truth.
“No word of a lie, the Roosters’ offer was the lowest of all the clubs I spoke to. I promise you I’ve taken $200,000 less than the Dolphins and $100,000 less than the Storm offered.”
“I’m a competitive guy and I hate losing at cards, footy, PlayStation or anything,” he said.
“I decided to go to the Roosters because they are a competitive club where I could start at hooker. That’s my favourite position. Money had nothing to do with it.
“Storm had Harry Grant and we can’t both play hooker.
“The opportunity to have a full pre-season training at the Roosters as a hooker and then starting as a hooker is what convinced me to join them.”
Before the Roosters had even announced Smith’s signature, the star hooker dropped a bombshell on a podcast declaring: “I was just looking at the Roosters jersey … going, ‘I want to win a premiership in that jersey’.”
That comment, as well as other things like Smith saying drinking is a “massive part of the culture” infuriated Storm officials given he still had another season to go and the club released a statement saying they were “deeply offended.”
Smith was also investigated by the NRL Integrity Unit for swearing profusely on the podcast.
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He told News Corp that he never meant to offend anyone and “will work” on himself.
“I definitely regret it (the interview) but I can’t take it back,” he said.
“Sometimes I don’t even understand things before I say it.
“My mouth just rambles. It’s who I am. It’s in my DNA.
“People closest to me know I would never deliberately say anything hurtful.
“I’m never trying to be funny even. It’s just my personality.
“I’m not perfect and people have seen that. I wish I could control what I say a little bit better and I will work on that.”
Smith knows that he’ll be under the spotlight even more when he moves to Sydney, but that is a challenge he is ready to tackle.
“Living in Melbourne we get away with a bit more when we get out and carry on a bit,” he said.
“In Sydney I’ll be in the public eye a lot more and I’ll have to pull my head in. The public scrutiny is so different to Melbourne.
“I’m actually looking forward to adjusting to that. The change will do me good. It’s going to be a good, positive change for me.”
