Cameron Smith rockets into Storm calculations for clash with Manly Sea Eagles

IS there nothing Cameron Smith can’t do? After tearing a pectoral muscle last weekend, he’s now on the verge of playing his 350th NRL match on Sunday.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — JULY 22: Cameron Smith of the Storm kicks ahead during the round 20 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Melbourne Storm at GIO Stadium on July 22, 2017 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE Storm has received a boost with Cameron Smith considered a “possible” chance to play his 350th NRL game on Sunday.

Smith, 34, had all but been ruled out after he suffered a pectoral tear in the win over Canberra.

But a positive scan coupled with the captain’s “incredible” powers of recovery has forced Storm medical staff and selectors into a rethink for the upcoming clash with Manly.

Storm named Smith in the extended 21-man squad for Sunday’s blockbuster at AAMI Park, with a final decision to be made on Saturday.

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Storm football director Frank Ponissi Smith would be monitored over the next few days.

“He’s gone from slim and unlikely to possible play — not a probable quite yet,” Ponissi said.

“Given the improvement he’s made in the first 48 hours the medical staff have looked at it and said if it continues at this improvement over the next five days (then) he’s a chance of playing.”

Smith will be nursed through the week, ahead of a fitness test on Saturday.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — JULY 22: Cameron Smith of the Storm kicks ahead during the round 20 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Melbourne Storm at GIO Stadium on July 22, 2017 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

“If he can do a full session (Saturday) and a bit of contact, you never know, the impossible could be possible,” Ponissi said.

“He’s not going to put his 350th ahead of not being able to perform at his usual best so the right decision will be made on Saturday after training.”

Meanwhile, Storm superstar Cooper Cronk rubbished speculation about his future, adamant he must still decide whether he actually wants to “lace the boots on” next year.

Cronk, 33, has been linked to several Sydney-based clubs, most notably Storm rivals Cronulla.

“I haven’t entertained any option for next year or beyond,” Cronk said.

“I’m not going to lead anyone down a garden path and say ‘Oh yeah, I could consider coming to a club’ when I don’t even know if I’m going to lace the boots on next year.

“Everyone is entitled to their speculation and opinion, but from my point of view I haven’t entertained anything.”

Cronk indicated a decision on his future might ultimately be made at the end of the season.

A fairytale Storm premiership farewell and successful Kangaroos’ Rugby League World Cup campaign could sway the decision.

“I won’t be dictated by the market or the availability, if I feel like I want to play on and it ends up being that there’s nothing available my decision is pretty easy,” Cronk said.

“There’s still a lot of football to be played ... I don’t know what the timeline is, but I dare say it’s still a fair way away.”

Originally published as Cameron Smith rockets into Storm calculations for clash with Manly Sea Eagles