Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has given the biggest indication yet that Cameron Smith could have played his last NRL game.
The talismanic Storm skipper did not attend Wednesday night’s Dally M awards as he battles illness, just days after revealing he would weigh up his future over the off-season.
Smith claimed his eighth hooker of the year award, and finished just three points shy of James Tedesco for the top gong after yet another stellar season for his side.
He was also named as the NRL’s captain of the year, prompting Bellamy to deliver a touching tribute from the stage and admit he may not have his No.9 next season.
“Two or three weeks ago I was pretty confident he would play again next year,” Bellamy said.
“But on Mad Monday and sometimes you are effected by a couple of drinks but perhaps he might not have been thinking that way.
“I think it is still up in the air to be quite honest, which is a little bit disappointing.”
Smith has played a record 411 NRL games – all at the Storm – and has shown no signs of letting up this season.
He has another year left to run on his deal, with the option to play on in 2020 currently in his favour.
However, he has deliberated over future at the end of the past two seasons, previously hinting he thought about retirement at the end of both 2017 and 2018.
“I think he can certainly go on for another 12 months and he is certainly playing well enough,” Bellamy said.
“As the guys that retired this year in Paul Gallen, Robbie Farah and Cooper Cronk they all have things that they want to do in their lives after footy.”
“Sometimes you have got to pick that time.
“The one thing about Cameron we won’t be telling him when it is time. He will make that decision and we will back him all the way.”
Smith said after Saturday night’s preliminary final loss to the Sydney Roosters that he was leaning towards playing on, but was still uncertain.
“My thoughts all year have been to play on next year. That’s probably where I’m at at the moment,” he said.
“But that might change over the next little period where I have got some time off to think about some things and weigh up what’s happening next year.”
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
I think Les Boyd might have something to say about that.
kimboinbrisbane
Roar Rookie
That comment makes it very obvious you haven’t watched much rugby league.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Yes Brendon ,I think he should ring his mate Coops and give him an ear bashing about it...... could it be the Tall poppy syndrome that afflicts us Aussie regularly.
Brendon
Roar Rookie
Your astute powers of observation are really admirable. You sir are the perfect example of why he should retire and give the NRL the middle finger, honestly.
Nat
Roar Guru
Quality comment from an obvious analyst.
Clanger McClunk
Guest
I hope Cameron plays for one more year and announces it early for the benefit of his club and also the fans. It must get him down at times when he hears about the jealousy, the hatred that pseudo RL fans throw at him. He has been one of the best players I have seen in a somewhat lengthy lifetime of following the game. His game management, guile, leadership, approach to referees are parts of his game that have to be admired by those who enjoy RL. For those that share the animosity towards Smith, stop and think about having watched an all time great.
David webb
Guest
Cameron Smith is the biggest grub to have ever played the game
Rob
Guest
Won't be completely shocked if he does retire. He's seemed a little off the last few weeks. He has copped a battering in the media this year and I wonder how much of an impact that's had on him.
Brendon
Roar Rookie
Would anyone really blame him for not playing? The amount of unfair hatred and criticism this man faces, it must mentally be draining. This year alone we've had: -The diamond ring -Oh its unfair to make a big deal about 400, no one cares about James Graham -The garbage ear tugging -The second garbage ear tugging -The Smith/Cronk commentary Add to that the CONSTANT referee whispering comments, hatred to his playing style, comments about the salary cap (that was 10 years ago...) and constant favourtism jibes. We have players who were wife beaters, convicted of assault, jailed, convicted of sexual assault/rape, and yet we spend more time on a site like this saying how horrible Cameron Smith is. Whatever he choses, the Storm and their fans will support him 100%.