Melbourne Storm star Cam Smith addresses NRL future
NRL legend Cameron Smith has addressed his playing future and conceded he’s never seen himself playing for another club — but could that stance change?
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Cameron Smith has rejected claims he has met with rival NRL clubs as he continues to weigh up his options for 2021 and beyond.
The 37-year-old was thought to make his retirement announcement during his book launch at Suncorp Stadium on Monday, however the Storm veteran revealed he was yet to make a decision on his playing future.
Smith said he had not held any discussions with rival clubs over his playing future and planned to spend the next few weeks mulling over the decision with his wife Barb.
“I haven’t spoken to any other organisation,” Smith said. “I’ve had no other approaches.
Kayo is your ticket to the best sport streaming Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
“Everyone’s left me alone.
“They may have spoken with my management but I’ve told my management to leave me alone.
“My management team spoke to me throughout the year about making a decision but I told them, I instructed them, that I wanted my focus to be on the (Storm) and my role this year in trying to be successful.”
Smith said on Monday he had “not really thought about” his future since coming out of the NRL bubble last month.
“The last couple of weeks I’ve spent in quarantine coming out of the NRL bubble and reflecting on what has been in 2020.
“I’ve just been enjoying some time with my family.
“Over the next couple of weeks I’ll sit down and have some thorough thoughts with Barb and the kids about what lies ahead for my future and our future.”
It comes after The Courier-Mail revealed the Titans have not closed the door on making a play for the premiership-winning captain, as a specialist coach or even a player if he chooses to keep going next year.
Smith and his family have been living on the Gold Coast since Melbourne’s NRL Grand Final win after purchasing a house during the season.
The Titans are keen on Smith’s services next year, with coach Justin Holbrook admitting it would add immense value to the club.
However, Smith is still mulling over the possibility of retirement, a decision he is set to make in the coming weeks.
The Storm champion said the delay wasn’t about weighing up his options at a different club, but more so around whether he was committed to the cause.
“It’s not going to be about picturing myself in a different jersey or a different club,” he said.
“It’s going to be about whether I want to make that commitment to play again.
“If it is and at another club, I’ll have to adjust to that.
“Throughout my career, I haven’t really seen myself playing for another club but I’m in the situation I am now.”
MORE NRL NEWS
Origin 2020: Matt Scott opens up about the stroke that ended his NRL career
Origin 2020: Maroons teammates tip Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to target Payne Haas in Suncorp decider
Steph Hancock happy to leave Origin on a high, Brigginshaw backs rookies to blossom
Originally published as Melbourne Storm star Cam Smith addresses NRL future
Gus’ ‘doctored’ claim ignites NRL conspiracy
The NRL Grand Final’s controversial no try scandal has taken a wild turn despite the game releasing the angle the decision was based on.
Kangaroos selection shocks: NRL legends’ Test careers appear over
Mal Meninga has dropped a major selection bombshell by overlooking both James Tedesco and Kalyn Ponga for Kangaroos selection, with the list of surprise omissions and debutants not ending there. See the full squad.