Storm captain Cameron Smith has slammed claims he tried to squeeze the temples of Canberra young gun Bailey Simonsson in a controversial “wingnut” tackle last month.

Smith came under heavy fire following his side’s 22-18 loss to Canberra at AAMI Park in round 22 with furious Raiders coach Ricky Stuart later accusing Smith of grabbing the ears of Simonsson in a controversial tackle late in the game.

Under pressure: Cameron Smith appears to go to work on Canberra's Bailey Simonsson. Credit:AAP

While there was no charge from the match review committee, the NRL felt the need to fire off an official concerning act notice to the Australian and Queensland star.

The incident provides a fiery subplot to Saturday night’s qualifying final between the two teams at AAMI Park.