IF the NRL’s biggest pest Michael Ennis was caught doing this to an injured opponent, there would be outrage.

But when it comes to Cameron Smith, many fans view him as a protected species.

The Melbourne skipper has come under fire in the build up to Sunday’s NRL grand final after an incident involving Canberra’s injured captain Jarrod Croker last Saturday night.

Smith was filmed appearing to shove an unsuspecting Croker to the ground following Cooper Cronk’s try in the 32nd minute.

media_camera Cameron Smith catches Jarrod Croker’s knee from behind in the preliminary final at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

The incident wasn’t picked up by the match commentators initially, but was snapped by eagle-eyed fans who later posted it on social media.

Smith is spotted running over to shove Croker in the back, and fans were upset that he appeared to make contact with Croker’s badly injured left leg.

Croker had been carrying an injury to his knee and ankle from the 10th minute after he was accidentally cleaned up in some friendly fire by a teammate.

media_camera The Croker incident won’t convince any Smith detractors. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith.

Players immediately came charging in from both teams after Cronk’s try, but it is not known if it was Smith’s sneaky push that sparked the melee.

Fans were furious with Smith.

“Wow, that’s so bad!!” one wrote.

“I don’t like Smith. At all,” said another.

Many comments were far less complimentary and cannot be printed here.

The view from many was that this incident involving Croker was just another example of Smith pushing the boundaries.

While Ennis is not the type who ever attempts to mask his actions, Smith is known to be far more subtle among his rivals. Even after this incident he stood back when the melee started, seemingly surprised at the commotion.

media_camera Cameron Smith in action during the win over Canberra. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

Only a few weeks ago Smith accused Brisbane of not playing in the spirit of the game after Anthony Milford milked a penalty for throwing the ball at a player laying in the ruck.

A recent Daily Telegraph fan poll voted Smith the player supporters most love to hate.

Smith polled 22 per cent of the votes, finishing ahead of Josh Reynolds (21 per cent), Paul Gallen (15 per cent) and Ennis (14 per cent).

Smith knows he won’t have the crowd on his side on Sunday.

“From the little we have seen from down here (the Sharks) have a huge amount of support down there,’’ Smith said on Monday. “I saw parts of their game the other night and all I could see was Sharks fans in the ground.

“There has been a lot of excitement building down there throughout the year. So there should be. There is going to be plenty of Sharks fans on Sunday.’’

Anyone else see what Cameron smith did to Jarrod croker after Cronk scored? #grub — Michael Schirripa (@michaelsch1996) September 26, 2016

Hey @NRL are reviewing @camsmith9 deliberate knee to @Jarrodcroker left knee after Cronks try? Disgraceful dog act. — DK23 (@daniel23karlson) September 26, 2016

Smith has already said the Storm would be ready for Ennis to be at his “scheming best” when the two cross paths on Sunday night.

Smith and Ennis have had their share of run-ins over the years, with Ennis causing controversy in the 2014 elimination final between the Storm and the Bulldogs.

Ennis was accused of disrespecting Smith when he patted the Storm skipper on the head after Smith made an uncharacteristic blunder. But no doubt the Sharks will be just as wary of Smith.

Not only is he known for his ability to influence refs, but he is regarded without peer when it comes to the art of the rugby league wrestle.

The incident involving Croker certainly won’t win him or the Storm any extra support come Sunday night.