Cameron Smith retires from NRL: Melbourne Storm legend calls time on his career

Storm coach Craig Bellamy had a front-row seat to Cameron Smith’s record-breaking career and he has no doubt where his former skipper sits among the greats of the game.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has paid Cameron Smith the ultimate compliment, anointing him the best player in the history of rugby league.

Bellamy had a front-row seat to Smith’s longevity and greatness after coaching his long-time former captain for 428 out of his record-breaking 430 NRL games.

Following Smith’s retirement announcement on Wednesday, Bellamy was quick to declare the future rugby league immortal as the greatest of all time.

“It’s hard to describe his effect on our club and his effect on the game,” Bellamy said. “But probably the biggest thing for me is how long he’s done it for.

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The two legends @camsmith9 and @billyslater unveil their statues at AAMI Park @heraldsunsport@cmail_sport@telegraph_sportpic.twitter.com/N6UrFSTI64

— Nick Smart (@NickSmart85) March 10, 2021

Thanks for the memories #cameronsmith . @telegraph_sport@cmail_sport#cs9@[e-mail]/qJLzid9Fyh

— Scott Bailey (@BooBaileyTele) March 10, 2021

“We’ve had other great players who have contributed heavily to the quality of our game, but to do it for nearly 20 years is unparalleled.

“I have no hesitation, in my opinion, he’s the best player the game’s ever seen.”

Bellamy said he could not see Smith’s feats beyond equalled, let alone ever surpassed.

“No one (except Smith) has gone over 400 games and I think he’s played over 100 rep games for Queensland and Australia,” he said.

“And with the success he’s had as a captain as well, it’s quite remarkable and it hasn’t been done in the game before.

“I can’t really see it happening again.”

Storm coach Craig Bellamy declared Cameron Smith the “best player the game’s ever seen.”. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Fellow Storm superstar Billy Slater, who had his statue unveiled alongside Smith outside AAMI Park on Wednesday, echoed Bellamy’s thoughts on the former Melbourne skipper.

“I still remember when I was 18 up in Brisbane and Cameron got the call to debut down for Melbourne,” he said.

“It was a long time ago and he’s done a heap for the game, but I don’t know of a more influential player that’s played the game.

“I find it really hard to compare positions and eras, but I don’t know of a more influential player than Cameron Smith in the game of rugby league.

“I feel privileged to be standing here, so it’s probably fitting that he’s got a statue up there on the day he’s announced it (his retirement).”

The now Gold Coast-based Smith will not be at Storm’s season opener on Thursday night as it clashes with one his children’s birthdays.

Although, he said he would return to AAMI Park to thank Storm fans later this year.

“It would have been lovely and we would have loved to have been here for it, but I’ve spoken with (Storm chairman) Matt Tripp and the coach about wanting to come down sometime soon,” he said.

“The family’s really looking forward to getting back down to Melbourne as we haven’t been down here for six months.”

Craig Bellamy and Cameron Smith were the driving force behind the Melbourne Storm’s success. Picture: Brett Costello

WHY SMITH TOOK SO LONG TO SAY GOODBYE

Future rugby league immortal Cameron Smith admits he wrestled with extended his record-breaking NRL career into 2021 “for quite some time” before deciding to finish as a one-club legend.

The Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans had expressed interest in recruiting arguably the game’s greatest player once it became known Smith had relocated to the Sunshine State.

Although, it never became serious due to Smith’s unwillingness to engage in talks.

When asked how close he came to playing on in 2021, Smith replied:

“I was wrestling with the idea for quite some time and that’s why it’s taken so long.

“I spoke to a handful of people that are quite close to me through last year when the season was still on and then in the weeks after the season had finished with guys like Billy (Slater), who I consider one of my best mates and not just a former teammates.

Cameron Smith won the NRL premiership with Melbourne Storm in his last game. Picture: Getty Images

“I talked to them about their thoughts on not only my situation but picking their brain on how they came to the conclusion of when they felt it was the right time to finish their playing career.

“After winning the premiership I felt good within myself physically and mentally and my form was good enough to play in the NRL.

“But at the end of the day, once I spent quality time with my family in Queensland I knew it was the right time to finish.

“It gives me the opportunity now to enjoy what’s going to be the next phase and chapter of my life.

Cameron Smith has today announced his retirement from professional rugby league.
Cam is not only among the most decorated players the game has ever seen, he made an immeasurable contribution to our club on and off the field, and his legacy will be remembered in Melbourne forever. pic.twitter.com/iEqxelnvQA

— Melbourne Storm 🏆 (@storm) March 10, 2021

“Hopefully it will involve rugby league in some capacity.

Smith said he realised there was no better way to finish than at the peak of his powers off the back of another NRL title.

“I look back on my career and found that I was very fortunate to be part of such a wonderful organisation filled with many great footballers and great people as well.

“It felt like the right time to finish off the back of what was a very successful season, albeit a very different season being away from home.

“This is where I started my career in 2002 and this is where I wanted to end it, while I stand alongside my good friend Billy.

“A major factor was remaining a one-club player. I always had a thought I wanted to be a one-club player, not knowing that’s how it would pan out.

“I was able to play here for 19 seasons and enjoy a lot of success on the field. I gained a lot of great memories and friends from the time I spent here.

Still can’t believe I got to take the field with the 🐐. Deserves all the best in retirement. Hard to see his record ever being broken. Legend! 🙌🏼 https://t.co/b3nRINjlNb

— Ryan Papenhuyzen (@ryanpapenhuyzen) March 10, 2021

One of the all time greats and a legend bloke! honoured to have shared the field as his opponent and team mate! enjoy retirement brother 🤟 https://t.co/cWUpZWtAGm

— Josh Dugan (@Josh_Dugan) March 10, 2021

“Everyone knows we didn’t get an opportunity to play down here in Melbourne in front of home fans, but you couldn’t ask for me than to finish with a premiership for a club I’d played my entire career with.”

Smith admitted a big reason for not playing on was his longstanding desire to finish his career at the club he started at.

“Even back when I was a rookie I always had this thought,” he said,

“I was able to play at this club for 19 seasons and enjoy a lot of success on the field, but I think more importantly I gained a lot of great memories and friends from the time in Melbourne.”

Originally published as Cameron Smith retires from NRL: Melbourne Storm legend calls time on his career