Controversy surrounds why Cameron Smith's WIFE was given a $15,000 diamond ring by the NRL at an exclusive private dinner celebrating her husband's 400th game

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The NRL has sparked controversy after quietly gifting the wife of football legend Cameron Smith a diamond ring at an honorary private dinner. 

Smith was celebrating his milestone 400th game for the Melbourne Storm at a private event last month when his wife Barbara was handed the ring, which is estimated to be worth $15,000.  

The NRL had previously announced Smith, 36, would be receiving the Waterford crystal football in recognition of his commitment to the club, but there was no mention of a ring for his wife.

Smith, 36, who is widely considered one of the best players to ever play rugby league, previously took home $150,000 from a testimonial match in 2018.

Cameron Smith and his wife Barbara (pictured) were celebrating his 400th game at a private dinner when she was handed the ring by the NRL

Todd Greenberg, chief executive of the NRL, defended the present to Mrs Smith, saying the wives of rugby stars play a vital support system for players.

'Our biggest stars wouldn't be where they are today without the women in their lives,' Mr Greenberg said, The Daily Telegraph reported. 

'We make no apologies for honouring the amazing role Barb has played and the sacri­fices she has made throughout Cameron's career,' he said. 

Speaking with 2GB's Alan Jones on Friday morning, Mr Greenberg said the ring was never a secret.

'The only person this was a secret from was Barb herself because we wanted to give her a surprise,' he said.

'She's a remarkable woman. Without her, there's no doubt, Cameron has said it himself, he wouldn't have made 400 matches.'

The Storm Captain became the first player in history to reach 400 games, during a game against the Cronulla Sharks in July.

The Storm Captain became the first player in history to reach 400 games, during a game against the Cronulla Sharks in July (pictured)

The club denied having any involvement in the gift to Mrs Smith, saying it was given to her by the NRL.

There is no suggest of any wrongdoing from the Smiths. 

The NRL's gift to Mrs Smith has come under fire, with many slamming the decision online.

'Can't Cameron Smith afford to buy his wife a ring with those multiple contracts he's signed?' one Twitter user said.

'I'm pretty sure the wives of our wonderful Military services deserve more recognition for the support & sacrifices they give & their families give to their husbands who serve Our Country!' another said on Facebook.

'Another ring for the millionaire wife to put in the jewellery box.' another said.

'Should be going to junior footy clubs not well payed players and there family,' one person commented.

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said the ring was only kept secret from Mrs Smith and was to honour the hard work she had done

Others believed the gift was well deserved, defending Mrs Smith and her husband.

'It's just a good gesture by the NRL, acknowledging the wife who stands by one of the greatest players in the sport!' another wrote on Twitter.

'The greatest ever rugby league player would not be the greatest ever rugby league player without the support of his wife,' someone said.

The football league said the partners of any other players who reach the monumental 400 game achievement would also receive the same gift.

'It is a gift from the NRL. No different to gifts for 300 games, premiership rings or players who are paid out of the NRL marketing fund to promote events,' an NRL  spokesperson said.

Smith was also the beneficiary of a testimonial game last year, from which her earned $150,000. He donated $15,000 to charity.

Earlier this month, St George Illawarra Dragons' star, James Graham played his 400th game - but he wasn't given a testimonial or an exclusive dinner paid for by the code. 

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the NRL for comment. 

The NRL said the gift was to honour the sacrifices Mrs Smith had made for her husband's career