Cameron Smith has closed the door on playing an Allan Langer-style saviour role for Queensland in this year’s State of Origin series.
While the rugby league record-breaker has reaffirmed his intention to play one more season in the NRL with Melbourne next year, Smith has ruled out making an Origin comeback for the Maroons.
Not even the badgering of Queensland coach Kevin Walters can persuade the 35-year-old to emerge from representative retirement to save the Maroons from back-to-back series losses to NSW for the first time since 2005.
“Whether I speak to him face to face or via text, he (Walters) always chucks in a little sneaky question at the end: ‘Are you free to play Origin this year?’ Smith told Fox Sports’ NRL 360 on Wednesday night.
“But I was lucky enough to play 15 really enjoyable years of Origin and my time’s finished.
“I’ll let the younger guys take that spot now.”
While not unexpected, Smith’s decision will come as a disappointment for Queensland fans.
Back in 2001, then-Maroons coach Wayne Bennett coaxed Langer – equally revered and then the same age as Smith is now – out of rep retirement for the 2001 Origin series.
History now knows Langer was man-of-the-match in the deciding game as Queensland rebounded from one of their heaviest series losses ever against the Blues the year before.
Smith, though, remains content to keep on keeping on at the Storm, the veteran hooker doubling down on his plans to go around again in 2020 under coach Craig Bellamy, despite being off contract.
“It’s always easy to say that you want to play on when things are going great at the moment and you’ve had three wins from three games, but physically and mentally I’m feeling as good as I’ve ever felt,” Smith said.
“I’m still enjoying turning up to training each day and training with all the boys and listening to all of Craig’s old messages and all that stuff I’ve been listening to now for 17 or 18 years.
“That’s not getting old.
“I know sometimes it can be monotonous but it gets results and that’s what we’re here to do – to get results and win games – and while we’re doing that, I’m keen to play on next year.”
Old mate bigJ
Roar Rookie
Not going to happen
Old mate bigJ
Roar Rookie
Vaultin was the only one to be an actual commentator or caller if you win, sideline commentary doesn’t count. I was referring to those who could not play become commentators like Ray Warren and Andrew voss
Paul
Roar Guru
I was trying to give Kevvie an excuse for this sort of comment Nat, but if he can't use the "to many beers excuse" he must be simply silly for saying that. It's straight from the "How not to inspire confidence in your SOO hooker" text book
The Barry
Roar Guru
Any season can be one too long at this stage. I think he’s still got a lot to offer in how he runs the side. He’s still making his tackles...just slowing down a little.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
No, Nick Politis is Todd Greenberg's boss. Or were you talking about sonething else and I put the chicken before the egg?
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Paul Vautin Darryl Brohman Wally Lewis Gordon Tallis Ben Ikin Corey Parker Justin Hodges Billy Moore Billy Slater Johnathan Thurston Had enough? Television... THAT's in QLD! Bahahahahahaha
Nat
Roar Guru
Funny cause it's true.
Nat
Roar Guru
OK, Ray Hadley. oops! :)
Nat
Roar Guru
I often see Kevvie at the Diehards games (BRL comp) games and he does look like he has snuck a few XXXX away. Pretty much a straight line from chin to belly button.
Nat
Roar Guru
My man you leave yourself open. You choose which of the following comebacks cuts deepest. Cam smith is hiding - behind 11 series trophies! Benny Elias was still lacing up boots when NSW could accumulate 11 series trophies. Not sure it's Running Scared he's singing along too, more like Sweet Memories. Ask Pearcy if he knows the lyrics to 'Crying'?? Lastly, may be the best. Every time you think of the NSW team, remember an Eastern Suburbs Rooster's men is both Captain and Coach of your team! Your very best is also your worst enemy! Tell me how much you love them?? Sing it loud Rooster lover!
Rellum
Roar Guru
I thought it was set in stone he was going to be the new coach. The way it is told in the press he is the assistant coach now.
The Barry
Roar Guru
They’re not queenslanders...?
Nat
Roar Guru
Andrew Johns Brad Fitler Mark Taylor Michael Clarke Love Kerry O Keefe
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Let's be honest TB. Cam Smith is only playing for the records and the retirement payout. His form is dropping each year (which is evident on supercoach) and he isn't likely to add many more highlights to his career highlights reel. He should have retired last year rather than risk going one year too many like Jonathan Thurston who looked like the Mohammed Ali of RL in the last year of his career.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Hey Nat, any chance you know the lyrics to Roy Orbison's "Running Scared"? I have a feeling that Cam Smith knows them by heart. LOL
Paul
Roar Guru
This really has to be a "feel good" story for those guys trying to take Smiths place as the hooker in the Qld side. Kevvie has so much confidence in the McCullochs, etc, he's going back to Smith and asking him to make a return? That sounds like the sort of reverse psychology you get from drinking too much XXXX!!
Peter Piper
Guest
Pathetic
Peter Piper
Guest
It never happens now so it is unlikely to ever happen in the future. I think your club name has to begin with C and you have to be in a suburb of Sydney to get any leniency.
Mango Man
Guest
OK that made me laugh out loud :)
Rucky
Guest
When Smith retires he will no doubt become the greatest player agent to have ever lived. His intricate knowledge of the salary cap and how to get around it is second to none, from signing two contracts, receiving Harvey Norman vouchers, free cars and boats, testimonial matches four years before retiring and his recent proposal three weeks ago for making himself exempt from the salary cap altogether, he will be signed up by every player in the comp.