Cameron Smith prepared to take on State of Origin role for Maroons

Queensland great Cameron Smith says he is prepared to join the coaching set-up of the Maroons for next year’s Origin series.

Cameron Smith says any proposed Origin role would have to fit in with his family Picture: Peter Wallis

Maroons icon Cameron Smith has given the Queensland Rugby League something to chew on ahead of a crucial meeting this week by revealing he is open to playing a role on the coaching staff next year.

Smith, arguably the greatest player in Queensland’s rich history, has maintained a distance from rugby league in retirement but won’t rule out making a contribution as the Maroons seek revenge for defeat this season.

In the wake of this year’s failed series, the QRL completed a sweeping review of their team’s performance and they are expected to rubberstamp their plans for the coaching structure at some point in coming days.

It is understood incumbent coach Paul Green will be given the chance to stay at the helm in a wider role that will see him have influence over the Maroons pathways and emerging players.

Green was parachuted in for 10 weeks during this year’s series but wanted to have more influence if he was to stay as head coach, much like Brad Fittler has with the NSW team.

Green could yet have Smith to call on, the long-time Maroons captain making it clear he would consider playing a hands-on role with Queensland if it fitted in with his family and media commitments next year.

It is understood Green reached out to Smith this year but the recently-retired legend had little to no interest in diving straight back into rugby league. That may change if he is approached again.

“If I am approached for next year then I would certainly consider it,” said Smith, who has become the first national ambassador for Adventure Kings.

“The main factor would be the impact on my situation with family and other commitments I have. If it works in with the commitments that I already have, and in particular if it doesn’t have a huge impact on my family time, I would (do it).

“It is one point I made when I did finish, the next couple of years I wanted to dedicate a lot of my time back to my family.

“They are the ones who missed out for a decade. That would be part of the consideration. I am not closing the door on it because having an opportunity to coach the Queensland State of Origin side, that would be a wonderful opportunity.

“As long as the timing was right and I felt it was the right thing for my wife and children as well, that is where the decision will be made. It would be a great job to be working with the Queensland Origin side.”

Smith is Queensland’s most decorated player, having appeared in 42 Origin games for the Maroons including half of them as captain.

He has maintained his interest in rugby league in retirement by commentating on the Nine Network and radio station SEN, but has played no active role in coaching.

There is no question his footballing nous would add intelligence and gravitas to the Maroons coaching staff but the decision will likely rest with the head coach, expected to be Green again.

“I have been really enjoying this year and the things I have chosen to do with my time, a little bit of radio and dipping my toe into a little bit of commentary,” Smith said.

“It has been nice to look at footy from a different angle. I was watching the match (between Melbourne and Parramatta) the other night and it was a good game of footy.

“The blood started to boil a little bit and I wanted to get back out there. Outside those little moments inside matches, I haven’t missed it at all.”

Smith believes the QRL should seriously consider widening Green’s role in line with what NSW have done with Fittler.

“That would be smart I believe,” he said.

“You can see the difference a role like that has made to the NSW side – a guy like Freddie having his eye over the junior levels and the youngsters coming through.

“Once they get to that State of Origin level, they have already had some involvement with him. So they know him.”