Cam Smith’s love of NRL played a role in his decision to take $140million bonanza to join LIV tour

A love of attending footy games with his mates was a factor in Cameron Smith’s defection to the controversial LIV Golf series.

The mammoth $140million deal to leave the PGA Tour was obviously significant, but the world No.2 also stressed that the flexibility of the tour’s scheduling proved crucial to his switch.

‘[Money] was definitely a factor in making that decision, I won’t ignore that or say that wasn’t a reason,’ Smith told Australian Golf Digest.

‘It was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldn’t ignore. The biggest thing for me joining is [LIV’s] schedule is really appealing.

‘I’ll be able to spend more time at home in Australia. I haven’t been able to do that, and to get that part of my life back was motivating.’

World number two golfer Cameron Smith is an avid supporter of the Brisbane Broncos (pictured playing Parramatta this year)

Smith added he has has loved living in the US for over seven years, but ‘little things like missing friends’ weddings, birthday parties and seeing your mates having a great time at rugby league games has been tough’.

In what was golf’s worst-kept secret, Smith, 29, finally confirmed he will join the LIV Tour on Tuesday, ending constant recent speculation.

The British Open winner will be joined by fellow Aussie Mark Leishman in a significant coup for Norman.

Golf stars Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed previously pledged their future to the rebel tour, sending shockwaves through the sport.

According to News Corp, LIV Golf also staged talks with Australian Adam Scott, but the 2013 Masters champion chose to remain loyal to the PGA Tour alongside Tiger Woods.

Smith’s decision to join the LIV Golf tour will attract plenty of negative headlines given the repeated accusation they are using sport to wash Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record.

The mammoth $140million deal to leave the PGA Tour was obviously significant, with British Open winner (pictured) also stating the flexibility of the tour where Greg Norman is the CEO proved crucial in his decision

Norman was elated on Tuesday as he toasted LIV Golf’s crowning achievement to date.

‘LIV Golf is showing the world that our truly global league is attracting the world’s best players and will grow the game into the future for the next generation,’ he said.

‘The best and the brightest continue to embrace the excitement and energy of LIV Golf and what we’re building: a tangible league for team golf that will connect with new audiences all over the globe.’

Australian journeyman Greg Chalmers weighed into the Smith defection conversation, hilariously tweeting he is now ‘getting closer to my dream of (being the) top ranked Aussie on tour.’

The 48-year-old, who has won the Australian Open twice, is on the verge of retirement.