The Storm Within

WHY: I saw this on the bookshelves at QBD in February this year, and it fits with my concerted effort to read various sport biographies/ autobiographies for personal interest. Having grown up in Australia, the NRL has been a constant presence in the media but apart from some outdoor classroom activities and lunchtime games when I was younger I've never tried to fully understand the game or its key players. There was no better place to start than with a legend of the modern game, Cameron Smith.
CONTENT: Smith does an excellent job of covering his entire professional playing career, from junior rugby in Logan, QLD to the NRL competition from 2002 to 2020, the year of publication (he ended up announcing his retirement from the game in March 10 2021). I learnt a lot about the coaching staff, styles of play and key opposition members from the Melbourne Storm, QLD Maroons all the way to the Australian team. Conversely, there aren't a lot of private moments or funny teammate stories in here - The Storm Within sticks to recapping Smith's key games and career, as well as providing his perspective on the controversies that arise with being an elite sports star.
WRITING: The chapters were laid out chronologically, and each one was a good digestible length. Smith gives the reader enough information on the sport, personalities and contextual details like the weather to help you envision the atmosphere surrounding an event. He also provides a few thoughts on the reasons behind his individual and team's success, although this isn't designed to be an inspiring or mental guide book, but more an personally approved playing life summary. Smith goes beyond this however by reflecting on the changing nature of the NRL with technology, sensationalism and evolving trends within society. The one personal thing that is clear about his personality and lifestyle is that Smith is strongly loyal to his teammates and club, and prioritises family even higher. The evidence of his on-field mannerisms (his conversations with referees, lack of involvement in fights) and recognition of the sacrifices made by his wife Barbara made me appreciate his voice, and assisted in framing him as an honest and humble country bloke.
WHO: If you've been a massive fan of rugby, I feel like this isn't the book for you - there just isn't enough material on the actual sport itself to warrant a read. If you're a) a massive fan of Cameron Smith or the Melbourne Storm, b) want a recap or introduction into his playing career, or c) are curious as to how an elite athlete's life is impacted by the media, you'll definitely get something from this read.