Inside the fallout between the big names of the NRL Smith and Cronk

Melbourne is so often tight when it comes to information leaks that it's impossible to know exactly what the three superstars have said one of the other – but let's say that there were few dry eyes in the room when it was over, according to these

Since that night, however, rumors have circulated about spectacular fallout between Smith and Cronk.

They gained momentum during the Australia World Cup campaign; they received more oxygen when Smith and his wife, Barb, swept Cronk 's wedding in Sydney in mid – December; and he was there for everyone to see on Friday night when Cronk hugged all his former teammates after Melbourne's thrilling win over the Roosters, only to give Smith a quick handshake before continuing.

Feel a sudden drop in temperature? Do not worry, it's just the cold that emerges from the cold shoulder that Cronk gave to Smith in Adelaide

Neither player should talk about it publicly.

Those who know them best: Smith the old soul who has been a father for the last 11 years; Cronk the elusive character even among his teammates who has only started to come out of his shell since Rushton's encounter.

"They've never been friends of tramps," said the former five-eighth Storm Brett Finch on Triple M.

There is no doubt, however, that the decision of Cronk's playing and playing for the Roosters did not go particularly well with some in Melbourne, and that includes Smith.

During the World Cup, the pair did not talk to everyone else apart from the football commitments. At all. Not a word

As explained in this column, Cronk's decision not to sign definitively with the Roosters was in contradiction with the way Smith went about his business.

When Smith made the decision to withdraw from representative football earlier this year, the captains of Australia and Queensland had to be invited to hold a press conference.

Last year, a series of final chapters of Cronk: Queensland; his last match for the storm, maybe his last; his last match in an Australian pullover.

Then he was playing … but with whom? Oh, the mystery! Suspense! He became stultifying.

Cronk played with the media about his game future several times in the past. He once infamous held his own press conference to reveal that he was extending his contract in Melbourne when a simple press release would suffice.

"I wish he would make a decision because I was stopped in the street by people asking me" Roosters' President, Nick Politis, joked at the height of the negotiations in October

The decision to Cronk not to be content to play with the heavier heavyweights of prime ministers – the Roosters – has not been easy in Melbourne.

Indeed, Cronk was back at the Storms hotel in Adelaide after Friday night's game, enjoying some catch-up beers with former teammates and coaches.

Then everyone woke up the next day to discover the video of Cronk's post-game idiot had become viral. The Storm players were making fun, already aware of the coldness between their captain and the former half-defender.

While the story was gaining momentum, Slater posted an image on his Instagram account and Cronk kissed after the match. "In the last 17 years, we have worn the same jersey.Last night was the first time as opponents.Love your brother."

There have been reports of Slater and Smith falling lately.

Some to the storm say that Smith has become "far" this year, the only reason he can say, but they note that Smith drove to Slater's house when Slater was expelled from Origin I because of an injury to the thigh.

Football clubs are very similar to families of different personalities. There are repercussions, fights, misunderstandings; most of them have no bearing on how the side plays. Overlooking this dynamic is the influence of brides and girlfriends. They are a powerful force

If Smith or anyone is angry at the storm about Cronk's departure, he is lost.

He gave the club a lot of notice about his move to Sydney, so he did not ruin their salary cap. Smith is still not signed beyond this year.

Cronk also has the right to play for the club of his choice. And if he can get $ 1 million a year in the most powerful club in the city, he is entitled to that too.

Is the fallout with Smith and Cronk irreparable?

Those who saw the couple show up with their riders the night before last year 's grand finale say this is not the case. Far from it …

Perhaps it's not more than Smith implicitly believing that Cronk, like Slater and himself, would all retire from club players