Melbourne Storm back-rower Brandon Smith is about to make his long-awaited return from suspension, but the charismatic Kiwi has made a startling admission about his club-based disciplinary action.
โCheeseโ missed three weeks after vocally questioning the integrity of Adam Gee during the Stormโs 28-6 loss to Cronulla, but he revealed this week that on top of the ban he was also forced to train alone throughout his suspension.
He revealed the isolation from the playing group, on top of a brutal fitness focus, showed him what he loved most about the game.
โI was getting punished for not putting the team first,โ Smith admitted to AAP.
โThe isolation is about making you feel guilty for your actions by taking away what you love most. For me, in footy, thatโs playing with my mates.
โThey took it away from me and it sucks. Itโs been pretty hard and a bit of grind โ getting up early and training by yourself, it gets pretty boring.
โJust being able to hang out with the boys nowโฆ Iโm a little more grateful for being in a team sport.
Smith has been missing for the remainder of the Stormโs four-game losing streak, and said it was hard to watch his team struggle knowing that he couldnโt help and was also part of the reason.
โIt was extra hard watching the boys play and lose knowing I couldnโt have an impact on what had happened,โ Smith said.
He also revealed the ban had seen him miss a chance to see his family, as he was unable to travel with the playing group to the Stormโs last game in Auckland.
The 26-year-old is off to the Sydney Roosters next year, but wants to ensure he finishes his time at the Storm on the highest note possible.
โThe coming weeks are the last I have here so hopefully I can go out on a good note,โ he said.
โI havenโt had a chance to train with (the team) yet so Iโm thinking Iโll be on the bench (this week).โ
