NRL 2022: Cameron Smith set to return to Melbourne for ultimate honour

Cameron Smith has won so many awards, the Storm has had to name one after him, and now the game’s greatest player is about to forever be immortalised at his former home ground.

The Melbourne Storm could really use the services of retired legend Cameron Smith after a couple of defensive disasters has seen them drop out of the top two.

And while he won’t be lacing on the boots, the games record-holder will be the centre of attention on Sunday when the eastern stand of AAMI Park is renamed the “Cameron Smith Stand”.

Smith will be in attendance for Melbourne’s game against the Raiders on Sunday afternoon, with the club desperate to return to winning ways after back-to-back losses to the Sea Eagles and Sharks.

And they won’t need any extra motivation, with the 430-gamer set to be there as part of the Storm’s Old Boys weekend for the unveiling of the new stand.

The new stand will add to the statue of Smith and fellow Storm great Billy Slater which were unveiled out the front of AAMI Park last year.

The Smith and Slater combination immortalised outside AAMI Park. Picture: Darrian Traynor / Getty Images

“Cameron is one of the greatest players to play the game; he has helped the Storm become one of the most successful sporting clubs in the country and will always be an important part of the fabric of our club,” Storm CEO Justin Rodski said.

“In his 19 years, he created so many memorable moments, achieved the ultimate team success and provided so much joy to our staff, players, coaches, members, fans and sponsors.

“It is only fitting our past players from the Melbourne Old Boys will be in attendance when he is further immortalised with one of the grandstands at AAMI Park to be named in his honour.”

The 39-year-old won comps with the club in 2012, 2017 and 2020, famously scoring a crucial try just before halftime when they beat Penrith in his final game in the NRL.

Cameron Smith celebrates a try in the 2020 Grand Final. Picture: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

Smith claimed his eighth player of the year award that season, and it’s only fitting the club’s greatest servant will now lend his name to the club’s prestigious medal, which has been renamed the “Cameron Smith Player of the Year Award”.

Storm fans haven’t really had the chance to thank Smith for everything he achieved, given the players spent the best part of two seasons in Queensland, but they’re being encouraged to pack out AAMI Park on Sunday.

“Our members and fans haven’t had the chance to say thanks to Cameron since his retirement, given the Covid restrictions last season,” Rodski said.

“We hope to see as many members and fans at the match as possible on Sunday to celebrate Cameron’s career at the same time the Melbourne Old Boys are in town to watch the team against the Raiders.”

Originally published as NRL 2022: Cameron Smith set to return to Melbourne for ultimate honour