Cameron Smith's story isn't done yet. Why should it be?

I really wish they could, would love that scenario to play out but I think Brandon has been waiting for his turn at 9. Just listening to a couple of his interviews he seems pretty chill but the message that he wants his turn comes through loud and clear. Both want to start at 9 and the Storm can't accommodate that.

Out of respect, I'll take your word for it. I went 5 pages deep looking and that last DT quote was the closest ref to a $ figure. There was a ref to $750k from the Knights. What legacy damage? He retained his Capt of NSW and beyond, played for Aust... I don't have to tell you. Now he's walked straight into the media. His judicial history is more damning than the ASADA thing. Personally, I hold Flanno 90% responsible Why 9yrs after the event? If he was concerned about his legacy why not 2015? No, his retirement wasn't enough to save those players. Of course the current cap penalty is relevant to keeping those players but you cannot argue the club is very top heavy with Fifita, Moylan, Dugan, Johnson all up above $700+, then Ramien/Townsend at $500k. Who knws what the chooks offered Flannagan but obviously the budget was tight in any case.

Why can’t they keep both. Brandon, already an international and very patient thus far, hasn’t missed a beat starting at prop or anywhere in the middle and Harry as a specialist gets the 9 guernsey.

Its funny but I think Tigs supporters had no idea what they were going to get with Grant. I live right between Balmain Tiger territory and Eels territory had discussions with a bunch of old Tigs fans during the swap negotiations. They were adamant the Storm were getting the better part of the deal and that the swap shouldn't happen because Momirovski had played PMs 13 in 2019 and they'd never even heard of Grant. Now they're saying Tigs are keeping Grant because we already have B.,Smith. As for who got the better of the swap...Paul hasn't even played a game yet. Hopefully soon because I think he should be starting.

Great article and points...especially from a non-Smith fan : ). I agree on all points. Smith has earned the right to go on, same as JT did at the Cows. Will he go on too long, who knows...but so far so good. I actually thought the rule changes would expose Smiths age but instead it seems to have accentuated his incredible vision and pass selection as defenses tire and are in disarray. Also correct on the B.Smith and H.Grant situation....there's going to be a top line hooker going to a lucky club. If its Grant I hope he sticks with the Tigs where he seems to have found a place, If its B.Smith I think the Warriors will be the lucky recipients.

There are quite a few articles out there on the ‘19 extension emphasizing it’s the lowest of his career, the two huge offers from Manly and the ‘18 ‘biggest offer of my career’ from the Knights in ‘18..all rejected to be a one club man. Look at what that scandal has done to his league reputation legacy, he’ll be scarred for life and truly the public will never know the details..why would an innocent club pay a zac? Doubt it’s salary cap relevant.. The fact that Gallens ‘top tier salary ‘ completion couldn’t save Brailey, Capewell,Feki, Flanno, and Prior (Morris for Ramien) suggests there wasn’t much ‘sucking up of salary cap’ by that extension..the $700k isn’t salary cap relevant and whatever he said about Val has jack to do with what he said about Cam Smith.

Still the most influential player in the game, so it's hard to push him out the door. It can't last forever, but there is very little sign of his powers diminishing, especially with the break this year.

Hahaha, they probably didn't fully appreciate what they were getting with Grant but know they'll pay a % of Smiths wages to keep him.

Based on your previous work, I am going to make a strong suggestion that you are a Tigers supporter @ChildishHambino, and based on that, you have a severe interest in whether or not Smith runs around next year. For what its worth, I don't think Smith will be in a HARRY to retire just yet, and therefore that will mean the Storm will have to GRANT a few players a release.

If he is still contributing, then why can't he play on? It is a shortened season with four less games. He could still be fresh next year.

There is no way Gallen is on $250k, even just his final year, the NRL would not allow an Aust rep (quality, albeit retired) and club captain to be on that money. There are specific rules about undervaluing players and he was as good as any forward until he retired. $250k and an Ambassadors role in retirement is no different to Robbie Farrah at WT. I know neither of us can unequivically prove it either way, all I have found is "Gallen is on top teir wages and is unwilling to budge..." from DT in 2017 (I feel a bit sick ref DT) The $700k was a payout so he didn't sue them. What did he lose to justify $700k to the club that gave him everything - 9yrs after the event? The Holmes point was the hypocricy. Yes, timing was one part of it but he was breaking a contract and should not be allowed back. Meanwhile there's a raft of players come and gone from the club under the same circumstances. He may well say that's a club decision but so is letting Holmes go.

In his final year Gallen was reportedly on $250k, add to this the fact that Cronulla were in serious cap trouble and Gal offered that back to the club to help them thru it..irrelevantly, eventually it wasn’t needed. The 700k was for damages in being the pin cushion for the club for the peptide incident. Val was never about the money and always about the timing. Hate Gal all you like but don’t invent stuff.

Happy birthday to the great man!! And his little mate Slater. I'm glad Brandon Smith is able to play and get great experience before making the spot his own. Cam has been phasing slowly out of dummy half and still smashing it. I think Cam will call time in 2021 with a full season.

He moved into the halves on the weekend and was near best on ground. Even when he plays hooker he is either the best or 2nd best in the comp. Forget the age, you don't kick out the top player in the position at a club for the sake of it

You were doing really, really well till that past paragraph CH. I understand your thoughts, but if a player can choose when he wants to retire, that's effectively putting him above his team, which should never happen in rugby league.

I'd pay him double to come to Brisbane for 2 years. I do find it ironic that Gallen was the one questioning whether Smith would play for less. This from the guy who sucked up most of the Sharks cap and got another $700k payout. Further he critisizes Holmes for forgoing a huge deal to try his hand in the NFL.

If Cam wasn't delivering, If Cam was getting too slow, If Cam was missing tackles, If Cam had lost his edge, If Cam's body wasn't holding up, If Cam had some on going injury, If Cam had lost heart, If Cam had lost the desire, If Cam wasn't as good as either Harry Grant or Brandon Smith, or, if Cam simply didn't want to play anymore, then I am sure he would be having a little chat over a latte somewhere with Craig. But until that time comes, we should give him the respect and the space he deserves.

I don't know when he should retire but to me it's not so much about how he is playing during the regular season but if he can lift for the finals series. I think the notion that legendary players get to chose how it ends completely is a bit overblown. That's great if they are fully aware of their own decline if applicable. I always remember a Warren Ryan quote which I believe was referring Steve Mortimer , at least in part. It was something like ''Aging players aren't always the best judges of their own capabilities'' In saying that , the Storm are one if not the best club at moving players on when they need to and handling the roster. Will Chambers got a tap on the shoulder despite some critics suggesting he would be selected for Australia at the end of his last season.

Great article and totally agree. I too am not a Storm fan but the best players and teams learn how to push the boundaries. The Storm/Smith bashing is as boring as the Cap bashing on the Roosters. Play on Cam Smith because you are a pleasure to watch. Brains over brawn in a muscle bound, speed orientated environment.