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Opinion
Full disclosure, I am not a fan of Cameron Smith.
Far be it from me to want to talk up the bloke who has put the dagger into my state and club side countless times. A bloke who has made the ruck slower than a Penrith Panthers five-year plan. A bloke who has more influence over the referees than the Russians did over the American election.
But I am going to go outside my hatred zone here to challenge this chat about him playing on too long. How he is holding up the queue of young talent behind him. How he should play for less money because of his age.
This talk is nuts. At 37, Cameron Smith is still considered the best captain and hooker in the game, and that title is not undeserving.
(Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
Every new season, Smith’s detractors – including myself – expect to see those signs that he has played on too long. We expect to see the mistakes, the injuries and sluggishness that come with age, but it doesn’t come. He continues to adapt and deliver regardless of the talent around him or the talent against him.
Does he deserve top-tier money? Yes.
He produces to the level of a top-tier player and should be paid as such.
Should he step aside so the emerging talent in Brandon Smith and Harry Grant get their turn? No.
Firstly, the Storm will not be able to keep both Brandon Smith and Harry Grant anyway. They are both capable 80-minute hookers who will not settle for less post Smith’s retirement. Smith is still the best hooker at his club and until he is not, he should be there.
So in summary, unless the Storm win the premiership this year, Cameron Smith will play on in 2021, when he will turn 38. Hell, don’t rule out 2022, if he is good enough, which I have no doubt he will be, then why not. He certainly has the backing of his long-time coach Craig Bellamy.
Whether you love him or hate him, Cameron Smith has earned the right to go out on his own terms, and that may not be anytime soon.
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