NRL 2020: Cameron Smith to make call on Storm career within three weeks
Melbourne Storm and Maroons champion Cameron Smith has revealed he won’t keep Harry Grant and Brandon Smith waiting for news on the future of his career, suggesting an announcement is imminent.
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Cameron Smith is three weeks away from deciding whether to end the most extraordinary career in rugby league history.
The Storm champion told News Sport he would have discussions with coach Craig Bellamy, conscious that a decision needed to be made sooner rather than later.
The career of boom Wests Tigers loan player Harry Grant is resting on his decision.
“I’m not going to string them out and leave them high and dry,” Smith said.
“Either way I’ve got to give them a bit of a heads up.”
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Those closest to Smith are indicating the eight-time Dally M hooker-of-the-year will call it quits after a remarkable career that started way back in 2002 and has seen him run out in Storm colours for 420 NRL games.
Asked if he was mindful of Grant’s future with the club, Smith said: “It’s not just Harry it’s the entire squad.
“There’s also Brandon Smith. There’s the entire salary cap. Me playing or not playing doesn’t just affect those two boys.
“I’m certainly very conscious of the situation around our club and where everyone’s career is at.
“All that will come into consideration when I make my decision.”
Even at 37 years of age – he had his birthday last month – Smith is playing some outstanding football.
He may no longer be the number one player in the competition but he is certainly in the top half dozen, whether it be at hooker or stylishly guiding Storm from the halves while Cameron Munster is out injured.
The former Kangaroos captain said he has the support of his wife Barbara and family whichever way he goes.
“She’s a legend my missus and she’ll support any decision I make,” he said.
Storm chairman Matt Tripp said there is no pressure on Smith.
“No one will be rushing Cameron,” Tripp said.
“What he’s done for Melbourne Storm gives him every entitlement to move at his own pace and think through what’s best for himself and his family.”
Sadly Smith will not get the opportunity for a home ground farewell in Melbourne if he decides to retire because of COVID-19 and the closure of Victoria’s stadiums, most probably for the rest of the year.
He said the talks with Bellamy will be crucial in mid-August.
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“Craig’s never been one with guys like Billy, Cooper or Ryan Hoffman to walk up and say ‘give it away’” he said.
“But I’d like to get his thoughts. We’ve been close for such a long time.”
One thing Smith has ruled out is a State of Origin comeback for the Maroons in November.
“It’s raised every year,” he said.
“It won’t be happening.
“Queensland have good some really good number nine’s running around at the moment
“Harry, Reed Mahoney and Jakey Friend are all playing fantastic footy.”
Originally published as NRL 2020: Cameron Smith to make call on Storm career within three weeks