Why this simple photo of three NRL greats tells the story about one of footy’s most shocking feuds

• Feud between Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk appears over
• Pair fell out when Cronk joined Roosters ahead of 2018 NRL season
• Were reunited on Wednesday, both added to NRL Hall of Fame

By Andrew Prentice For Daily Mail Australia

If a picture is worth a thousand words, it appears the ugly feud between former Melbourne Storm teammates Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk is finally over.

The pair – who won two NRL premierships together – had a bitter falling out after Cronk left the club to join the Roosters not long after winning his second grand final in 2017.

Cronk was adamant he joined the Tricolours because he wanted to be closer to his now wife Tara Rushton in Sydney, but Smith was said to be seething at the decision.

Along with his wife Barbara, the champion hooker made his feeling known after not attending Cronk’s wedding in 2017.

The halfback had the last laugh by winning a premiership in his first season at Bondi – against Melbourne – and it appeared the animosity between the high-profile pair would be permanent.

But thankfully the tension was nowhere to be seen on Wednesday night, when the former Storm teammates – plus Billy Slater – were inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame.

On stage a humble Cronk paid tribute to Smith and Slater, with the trio dubbed the ‘Big Three’ at the peak of their powers for the Storm, as well as Queensland at Origin level and with Australia. 

Cronk also won plenty of admirers after acknowledging the recent passing of Smith’s mother. 

Footy legends Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith (middle) and Billy Slater (right) are pictured in a very rare moment after being added to the NRL Hall of Fame

Footy fans were chuffed to see Smith and Cronk embrace (pictured) following their bitter falling out in 2017 when the halfback left Melbourne to join the Roosters

Cooper Cronk had the last laugh by winning a premiership in his first season at Bondi – against Melbourne in the 2018 decider (pictured, an angry Cronk after Smith targeted his injured shoulder)

‘I had a work ethic, aligned myself with some talent, the best at what they did, and I was fortunate too,’ he said when reflecting on his career.

‘Everyone’s got a story — condolences to Cameron and his family for the passing of his mum — I’m here [myself] because my mum made a lot of decisions.

‘Every decision she made has helped me stand here today. I’m very grateful for family, my wife, and anyone else who’s played a part in me standing here. 

‘I’m just a reflection of being around with better people than me.’

Tellingly, both footy legends declared they wouldn’t have enjoyed the careers they had if it wasn’t for the other.

Cronk represented the Australian Schoolboys in rugby union before he was graded by Queensland Cup league outfit Norths Devils.

Before making his NRL debut with the Storm in 2004 – where he played largely as a utility in his first season – two of his Devils teammates famously were Smith and Slater. 

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Why this simple photo of three NRL greats tells the story about one of footy’s most shocking feuds

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