NRL news 2020: Cameron Smith autobiography, Yvonne Sampson rumours

Fox Sports presenter Yvonne Sampson has rubbished “absurd” rumours she had an affair with Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith.

The salacious rumours circulated around social media ahead of the 2018 NRL season. All parties involved denied the allegations.

After being informed of the gossip by his manager Isaac Moses, Smith “was so taken aback he started laughing” before his attention turned to the welfare of his wife Barb and Sampson.

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Sampson and Barb Smith even reportedly traded text messages to check on each other’s wellbeing.

Smith addressed the controversial ordeal in his autobiography The Storm Within – which was released on Monday – and in response, Sampson promptly slammed the “malicious gossip”.

“My husband and I were made aware of these absurd and baseless rumours when they surfaced three years ago. They are utterly false,” Sampson told NewsCorp.

“This malicious gossip has no bearing on my life, career as a journalist or love of rugby league.’’

In an excerpt from his autobiography, Smith bluntly labels the “cruel” rumours “completely untrue”.

“Honestly, if I was going to have an affair – which I never would – why would I do it with someone with a profile as big as hers? And in my own sport?” the excerpt reads.

“When I told Barb she was shattered. It floored her.

“I could handle it but I was concerned for her and Yvonne, who had been around our game for a long time and we all know how well-respected she is.

“She was just about to get married and it was just so sad. The first time I did an interview with her after it I felt for her.”

The Storm Within details some of the biggest moments and controversies of Smith’s 19-year professional career.

From Alex McKinnon’s spinal injury and the fallout after, to his relationship with coach Craig Bellamy, to the diamond ring drama in his 400th game and his bizarre feud with Cooper Cronk, Smith’s story has been spotted with headline-grabbing moments.

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