Springfree Trampoline chat to Cameron Smith about being a father to his three children, Jada, Matilda and Jasper.
1. What was the first thought that ran through your head when you became a father for the first time?
Excitement. My wife and I were always keen to have children and when Jada arrived we were over the moon.
2. What do you think it means to be a father?
I think you need to be a role model, supportive, hard at times but always fair. It’s a difficult balance, I think all parents go through it and learn as they go.
I have always really enjoyed it though and tried to be as involved as possible in whatever they are interested in.
3. What are the lessons or values that you most want your children to learn from you?
Being honest, respecting others and working hard.
4. What is something you learned from your own father that you’ll forever remember?
When I was a young fella playing at Logan Brothers, Dad coached the team a few years above my age group. After my training sessions I’d run over with a footy and watch him coach the older boys, listen to his tactics and game plans. He and I would also watch games on TV and we’d ask one another what each was seeing as the game was unfolding.
I didn’t know it at the time but it was the perfect rugby league education.
Away from footy he taught me the importance of hard work and treating people as you’d like to be treated.
5. COVID has been a fairly stressful time for families – adjusting to lockdowns and disruption to our everyday lives. How have you found the best way to get through this with your family?
It’s been difficult because I’ve been separated from my family in an NRL “bubble.” My wife has been incredible, managing everything at their end.
Springfree Trampolines also came in very handy as well! A few weeks back we surprised the kids after school with the Jumbo Round trampoline and they’ve barely been off it since.
6. What do you enjoy most about being a father?
Watching their development. Things seem to happen so quickly these days but all three are beautiful kids with big hearts. We are very proud of them.
7. How would you like to hear your children describe you?
Supportive.
8. What are you most looking forward to for the remainder of this year?
We’re coming towards the end of the regular NRL season so there are some big games coming up, but mostly I’m looking forward to getting back to Barb and the kids.
COVID-19 has presented challenges for everyone and for me it has really cemented how special it is to be around your loved ones.
Running around the backyard, jumping on the trampoline with the kids, taking the dogs for a walk – they’re the things I am most looking forward to.
