With the NRL season under a month away, fans are still not closer to knowing what Cameron Smith will be up to in 2021.
There is high probability that he has sailed off into retirement and moved to the Gold Coast hinterland with no formal send off.
However, there is a part of me that thinks he will play on for one more season – with the Gold Coast Titans.
Smith has always been a unique sportsperson and is usually criticised for his decisions and actions. From being a protected species and the third referee, not signing a deal until a couple weeks before the season would not be unSmith-like.
He will already be in great shape and would only need a few weeks of training and game time to become match fit.
Furthermore, signing a deal with the Titans could allow Smith to cement his legacy as the GOAT of the NRL. With the likes of Andrew Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui strengthening the forward pack, the combination of Jamal Fogarty and Ash Taylor looking fantastic, and the emergence of young stars AJ Brimson and Moeaki Fotuaika, Smith can join the club knowing they are a shot at making the finals and potentially the top four.
There is a rumour that the recent signing of former Brisbane hooker Andrew McCullough to the Dragons will allow Smith to sign a one-year deal with the Broncos. But there isn’t as much to gain for Smith by signing with the Broncos, especially towards his legacy.
Despite their horrendous 2020 season, Brisbane have always been a strong NRL team, with premierships and Origin players. If Smith signed a deal at Red Hill and took them from wooden spooners to final contenders, it would pale in comparison to him leading the Gold Coast to the finals or a maiden premiership.
As an NRL fan, I would love to see Smith go around one more year with the Gold Coast Titans and bring them into premiership contention.
Christo
Roar Guru
As a broncos fan i dont want smith here because we are trying to develop jake turpin and i dont want smith to interupt that
Kick n Clap
Guest
Smith, Is still Australia’s best Leader, Proffesional and Sporting Legend. I for one hopes he goes around again? Brilliant to watch. And let’s all think this ? “ Be careful what you wished for”?
Popavalium Andropoff
Guest
If he pulls a Brady and goes to GC (reuniting with Proctor and Fa'asuamaleaui in the process) Gold Coast might start a dynasty of their own - he'll teach them how to win.
The Mexican
Roar Rookie
Broncos = Career Suicide There's your reason for no one giving the Broncos option any support
Adam
Roar Guru
I hope he comes back to play a single game. Just to get under Kent's skin
Harry
Guest
I'd say also that Hayne suddenly arrived out of nowhere, late in what was shaping up to be a good season for the Titans, and the sudden and unexpected arrival of such a high-profile player who - shall we say - has never had much of a reputation for professionalism had an unsurprisingly destabilising effect on the team. Even if Cameron Smith were to arrive late this season, his arrival will have been known to everyone at the club well in advance meaning that they'd have time to prepare for his arrival and even shape their season around him, and it seems pretty likely that his professionalism and experience would rub off on the rest of the team.
Guy Hazlewood
Roar Rookie
I was made aware of the Andrew gaffe by a friend just before haha. I only wrote his last name before it was uploaded, I'm assuming an editor may have made a mistake. Anyway, I still have that in the back of my mind. It would be hugely hypocritical of him if he left after how angry he was with Cronk. However, it is Smith, he does what he wants really.
Guy Hazlewood
Roar Rookie
I agree. I think the Cameron Smith move isn't just for short term success but for the future of the club. For all players, not just the hooker. Titans should be keeping a close eye on hookers that could take over after a potential Smith signing. Wether that is having Tanah Boyd becoming his apprentice or someone else, they need to use Smith as best as possible which is on and off the field.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I think the one big issue with Smith playing for another club is his stated desire to be a one club player. I suspect he wasn't too happy with Cronk for moving to the Roosters and might be hypocritical for him to do the same. That said I think there are a lot of Storm fans who would be pretty happy with him to make the move, me being one of them. I think he would be massive for the Titans chances of making the finals. They have the makings of a World class forward pack (also its David Fifita...not Andrew as stated in the article).
Don
Roar Rookie
My understanding is that Smith’s always been told that he’s not required to attend preseason training but over the years he’s joined the side from the first session in the new year and he’s usually setting the pace. He just always chose to do the same work as everyone else.
Paul
Roar Guru
Guy, I think this move only makes sense if the Titans have a young hooker on a development contract who can learn from Smith. A player of his stature needs to leave the Club in better shape than he found it. If they do have a up-and-coming number 9, this move makes sense. If he plays, IMO they're still not going to be genuine premiership contenders,as was the case with Cronk and the Roosters, so there has to be some upside for the Club, other than making GC fans excited.
Walter Black
Guest
I wondered about this One thing that doesn't sit well with me is that us Storm fans never got to say Goodbye to Cam nor watch him play in his last year. A cameo appearance at AMMI Park would do much to address this issue.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I don't think he will be able to resist.
Nat
Roar Guru
He'd be an asset but I just can't see him coaching. Mentoring possibly but I don't think he wants the big gig.
Nat
Roar Guru
Agree. Any team he played for will be better for it. The Titans have had 10yrs in a hole and it would be good to see them get some sustained success. If it happened the Titans, the succession planning is as important as winning. If he had Tannah Boyd following him around like puppy and take in his vision and his temprement so they don't go from bounce from on end to the other on the table with his inclusion. He has to leave the club in good shape when relying on Smith isn't an option.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I want him to sign for us as coach to take over from Kevie in a couple of years.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
That's a valid point. All I will say is Smith is no Jared Haynes. I reckon he will help develop a winning culture at the club which will last long after he goes. Whereas all Haynes left was the details of the Porn he watches.
Guy Hazlewood
Roar Rookie
Hayne was a media circus, I agree. However, he doesn't bring the same level of guidance and composure that Cameron Smith can.
Don
Roar Rookie
If he signs with a side on March 1 then he’s already saved a new team one third of the salary that they would have had to pay for him doing pre season. So you’d only have to find $700k And he’d quickly pick up some additional 3rd party sponsors to further top that up if he announced he was playing with a QLD side. Happy to see him playing for either the Titans or Broncos. He’d make a massive difference to both sides. Almost certainly he’d be huge assistance for Kevin Walters in pushing Milford. At the Titans he’d bring the direction, control and calm they need. The Titans starting side on paper is full of potential in need of direction.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
I have a feeling Smith will play about a dozen games for the Storm this year. He won't do the full 26 round grind, but show up for 2-3 games and take a break. Show up around round 5 for a couple, around Origin 1 and 3 to give Grant a break, and rock up again leading into the finals He doesn't do pre-season anyway, and he can join in team meeting via video