Cam McInnes on possible Sharks exit, Russell Crowe & life lessons

In the latest episode of the Chiming In podcast, host Brandon Savage sits down with Cronulla Sharks lock and former Dragons captain Cam McInnes. The veteran enforcer opens up about his uncertain future at the Sharks, his "gladiator" showdown with Russell Crowe, and his inspiring journey as a father to an autistic son.

The Sharks exit: Writing on the wall

The show kicked off with a significant update on McInnes’s future. Despite being a cornerstone of the Cronulla pack, McInnes revealed that his time at the club is likely coming to an end after the current season. Due to severe salary cap constraints and several teammates also being off-contract, the club has indicated they cannot make him a competitive offer at this stage. McInnes admitted that the club's decision to sign other players in similar positions made the "writing on the wall" clear. Despite the looming exit, he remains focused on one final premiership tilt, calling this season the last chance for this specific group of players to achieve something special together.

Fighting the "gladiator": The Russell Crowe blue

One of the most captivating segments of the episode involved McInnes’s time at South Sydney and an infamous encounter with club owner Russell Crowe. During a bonding camp at Crowe’s farm, a young McInnes broke a strict house rule regarding where younger players were allowed to socialize. This led to a blunt confrontation where Crowe reportedly told McInnes he would never be as good as the club's star hooker at the time and suggested the club should have kept other players over him. McInnes recalled the tension of being lectured by "The Gladiator" but used the moment as fuel, telling Crowe then and there that he would prove him wrong.

The "angry" captain: Dragons regrets

McInnes reflected deeply on his stint at the St. George Illawarra Dragons, specifically his transition into leadership. He admitted his early captaincy style was often too intense, describing himself as "angry" and occasionally difficult to approach. He explained that he struggled to understand teammates who didn't share his obsessive "switch on" mentality at all times. He also cleared the air regarding his departure from the Red V, clarifying that he didn't leave for a bigger payday, but rather because he felt the club's administration and new coaching staff were hesitant to commit to him long-term.

Thriving beyond the field: Autism advocacy and TED Talks

To close the show, the conversation turned to McInnes’s life away from rugby league. He spoke passionately about his eldest son, Noah, who is autistic, and the "compete not compare" philosophy he and his partner Rachel use to navigate the challenges of the spectrum. This mindset has led to McInnes being invited to deliver a TED Talk, where he plans to discuss thriving under pressure and avoiding the "comparison trap" fostered by social media. Looking even further ahead, McInnes expressed a strong interest in potentially joining the Perth Bears expansion side, citing the unique appeal of building a new club culture from the ground up.

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