Storm approach Smith over party video criticism

Melbourne president Matt Tripp confirmed helium contacted nine large Cameron Smith after the former ex-Storm skipper's captious instrumentality of the club's handling of the video scandal.

Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith and Chris Lewis volition beforehand up to the media adjacent week aft a video of their post-season celebrations was leaked connected societal media.

The trio are facing large fines from the NRL and volition apt beryllium ruled retired for the commencement of adjacent season.

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Melbourne CEO Justin Rodski released a connection much than 24 hours aft the video deed the internet, starring to disapproval levelled astatine the nine for not handling the substance properly.

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Smith told SEN Radio that his erstwhile nine were excessively dilatory to code the contented and described their actions arsenic "mind boggling".

Tripp said helium reached retired to Smith aft his vigor interrogation and partially blamed the club's belated effect connected the looming menace of a relocation of the NRL expansive final.

"I spoke with 'Smitty' [Smith] past night, I cleared up a fewer things that helium wasn't alert of, and he's much than comfy with the mode the nine has handled it," Tripp told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"We ne'er wanted this to fester, it's against the Melbourne Storm's wishes and we would person had this nipped successful the bud 24 hours aft we became alert of it.

"But the NRL requested we woody with it in-sync with each other. We're inactive waiting connected their verdict and pushing hard to get a verdict. But they besides made it known they person needed to marque definite the expansive last goes up due to the fact that of the [COVID-19] scare up there.

"In presumption of Smitty's disapproval of the players, it's hard to disagree with him. We are disappointed. They are highly apologetic. You volition spot connected Tuesday however remorseful they are.

Cameron Smith with Cameron Munster during his playing days. (Getty)

"It's really go astir their payment and we person to look aft these boys. They're upset due to the fact that they cognize they made a atrocious prime and the ramifications are greater than they ever anticipated.

"There is zero tolerance astatine the club, we strive to beryllium amended than most, and we request to hole that."

Smith expressed his annoyance with his erstwhile teammates for allowing "outsiders" to instrumentality video of them.

"These boys cognize the rules; it's amerciable successful nine and wrong the crippled of rugby league," Smith said.

"I'd similar to deliberation they're smarter than the mode they've acted.

"To let outsiders into a country and they've got phones retired filming ... it's mind-boggling to spot these guys marque these mediocre choices."

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