NRL 2020: Cameron Smith expected to leave Melbourne Storm

NRL veteran Cameron Smith is reportedly set to leave Melbourne at the end of 2020, but is still weighing up what his next move will be.

Cameron Smith may be on the move.

Melbourne is preparing to wave goodbye to Cameron Smith at the end of 2020 as the NRL veteran considers his options outside of Victoria.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports Smith is “highly unlikely” to play for the Storm next season and is considering either retiring or playing for a team in his home state of Queensland.

Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand with no-ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Footy fans have been waiting for an announcement on the 37-year-old’s future for some time but have been left in the dark all season.

The Herald reports Smith is expected to make a decision before the end of the week.

Speaking on the Big Sports Breakfast, Daily Telegraph reporter Phil Rothfield said he believes Smith will retire.

While Smith, the NRL’s most-capped player who has spent 19 seasons in Melbourne, has earnt the right to do what he likes at this stage of his career, the Storm need to plan for life without him.

Back-up hooker and Kiwi Test rake Brandon Smith is contracted until the end of 2022 but has told the club if his captain plays on next season, he will seek a release from his deal to search for opportunities elsewhere.

Young gun Harry Grant is on loan at Wests Tigers for this season but has said he wants to return to Melbourne next year. However, coming back to Victoria may be less appealing if he knows his path to the No. 9 jersey will be blocked by Smith for another season.

There has been speculation Smith may be tempted to move to Queensland next season and sign with the Broncos, while last week the Gold Coast Titans emerged as a shock player to secure his signature.

NRL Scores: Round 15 match centres

RELATED: Broncos offer Seibold million-dollar payout

Could Cameron Smith really ditch Melbourne?

Brisbane is at its lowest-ever ebb having won just three games all season and been embroiled in a string of off-field controversies, and last month coach Anthony Seibold said the club would be interested if Smith became available in 2021.

“Of course, it is something we would consider but it is a really long bow. Would he add something to us? Could he add something to us? Of course he could,” Seibold said.

“A little bit of experience would be something to add to the group, going forward. I am not sure how long he wants to play for but Cameron would add not only experience but leadership and quality on and off the field to any organisation or any team.”

That former Broncos and Queensland star Ben Ikin, who is a hot favourite to snare the Brisbane CEO role after Paul White leaves at the end of this season, has openly advocated for the club to chase Smith only adds to the narrative that Red Hill looms as a possible destination.

“I’ve got to be honest with you if you’re looking for quick change it’s going to come more through good coaching and good culture than it is buying a silver bullet,” Ikin told NRL 360 last month.

“That’s why you’d go hard for Cameron Smith because he’d solve a lot of problems in one fell swoop.”