Every other day I read of Cameron Smith’s future in the National Rugby League – apparently, Cam was sighted here, or with this person.
There is so much speculation.
Every time I get into a conversation about league, his name pops up. I imagine he is the most talked-about person in the game without a contract for 2021.
Regardless of whether he plays again or not, his legacy has made him a champion forever.
Smith has a resume that earns him the ‘GOAT’ reputation. He played arguably the hardest position on the field as a hooker.
He was captain of a winning Premiership team four times, the latest title coming in 2020 – that’s right captain of four premiership teams.
Captain of the Queensland State of Origin and Australian team, he played 42 times for his state, winning ten shields along the way, and pulled on the green and gold jumper 56 times.
The man is in great demand.
There are positions everywhere for him. He has so many options: playing another season, entering the game in a coaching capacity, a position in the corporate space or joining one of the broadcasters.
There are also business opportunities.
The commercial world is hungry for a man of such qualities. I’d listen to him if he was the spokesperson for a product. A man of his morals would not front a company he didn’t believe in.
We all wait with bated breath as Cam decides when to announce his future.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Let him take his time.
He could walk up on gameday and still orchestrate a win, however, it’s unlikely he will play again. It’s not a Storm Within.
Cam is very calculated, he knows what’s going on. He will let us know when he is ready.
The game would be all the better for Cam to sign to any south-east Queensland side, or perhaps with an expansion club, if that eventuates.
One year of his service and then for him to transition into the coaches box in an undergraduate position with a view to the top job, perhaps. Through his real estate investments, Cameron has put himself in the geographical location for this to all fall into place.
The Melbourne Storm have declared they will face life without Smithy, for 2021, at least.
Rumours surround another year of playing, but it has been touted Cam is a captain-coach already with his enormous leadership on and off the field.
Who better to raise a culture of professional footballers?
Let’s raise a glass and cheers to the GOAT, Cameron Smith.
max power
Guest
wow, you applying for a job as his publicist?
mushi
Roar Guru
Some do care. And it kind of is important they want to build a "brand". But yeah thinking something must be on the up and up because cam says is a bit head scratching.
Opposed Session
Roar Rookie
Depends who you believe with their “reports“ but the Storm actually already know his decision is that IF he plays on, it won’t be with them. Other teams if they want him, will do what’s required to get him. They already know their path and recruitment strategy. The only person that this might actually affect is if a player gets moved on to accomodate. That happens every year with most clubs so that’s not unusual. The titans and Broncos who are “said” to be in the market for him, both have cap space and roster space so again his decision doesn’t really affect anyone but himself.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Does any Sportsman ? And frankly its not their job to . A sportsman analysing their ethical behaviour? Nah.
Birdy
Roar Rookie
Thanks for your time and effort Paul. The penny drops and memory kicks in.
KenW
Roar Rookie
The machinations of Cam Smith aren’t keeping me up at night or anything but it does have an effect on teams. Squad planning in the world of salary caps is a complex beast. Decisions on who you chase, who you don’t, who you retain and who you let go have ramifications for years. He’s leaving the clubs sweating, possibly missing other opportunities, while they wait on his last second call. Beyond that though it’s just a weird game he’s playing, and there’s no obvious reason why he’s doing it. Considering his stature in the game that makes it interesting.
Paul
Roar Guru
It might be easier if you read the piece below, Birdy. It covers what Telstra got up to. The timing suited the NRL given this story came out in November last year I hate the hypocrisy from V'landys and Abdo, telling all and sundry what player behaviours are acceptable or not, when they're in bed with a company who thinks nothing of ripping off one of the most economically and socially challenged groups in Australia. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-26/telstra-admits-to-unconscionable-conduct-faces-50m-dollar-fine/12922400
Birdy
Roar Rookie
Please explain. I have definitely missed the mail on all of this.
mushi
Roar Guru
Yeah, especially given the I'm just a footballer defence (which I'm okay with). His actions suggest he couldn't care less about corporate behaviour.
Opposed Session
Roar Rookie
I don’t get all the angst towards him not making a decision or telling us his plan. In comments here or by media who have an agenda to sell papers. Some scribes commit acts that are illegal, that they manage to keep out of the paper, yet the same guys run months long agendas against a guy for not telling everyone his thoughts! What’s it matter to us if he plays or not? It’s not our contract, it’s his, if he wants one. The Storm were happy for him to wait, he’s happy to hold off, his family are supporting him to make his decision. Any club wanting to sign him will sign him knowing the timeline. Who else needs to know? You????????? Er……. no! The guy gets hammered either way, he’s arguably the games greatest ever player, certainly the longest career. he and his wife are the ones who get hammered, when the game chose to celebrate them. They never chose that, in fact they asked not to have any fanfare. So why would he make a song and dance about anything, when by doing nothing, he’s getting hammered anyway. I don’t think anyone’s qualified enough to think we should know another persons thoughts or job prospects. You all don’t care about my next job offer, nor should you, but why does everyone think we should know what someone famous is doing? Beside he’ll just get hammered for playing on at another club, not telling you earlier he wasn’t playing on, critiquing his move into business/ media/ real estate / coaching or whatever he decides. People argue he owes something to the game or the people at certain clubs. Have you ever thought that those people already know? That they see how much the guy gets lambasted by people with zero nrl playing experience and out of respect for games longest playing servant that they are protecting him because of the negative public wave against him. Because that’s what you do when respect someone, you protect them, not throw them under a bus.
The Sports Lover
Roar Rookie
Yep, he has definitely earned his GOAT reputation. No doubt. He is a physical marvel. The way he was able to move around the field, seemingly without effort, tackling non stop, we may never see the likes of a Smith again. Which is why I’m puzzled by his lack of clarity on his future. Surely, he owes something to his Storm teammates and fans. If he joins the Titans or Broncos, it’s difficult to see what the upside is for him (apart from the pleasure of playing). The history of not knowing when to retire litters all sports.
Crow
Roar Pro
$BW. That’s a good one. Haha.
RoryStorm
Guest
Good article and well written. Keep it up.
Crow
Roar Pro
I know there is coin in it but I have watched a few of JH fights. He might seriously get injured. Great centre.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I hope he retires and takes up boxing. I could do with another Justin Hodges-like entertainment.
Sleemo
Guest
"He was captain of a winning Premiership team four times, the latest title coming in 2020 – that’s right captain of four premiership teams." That's actually wrong - he only captained three premiership teams. 2012, 2017 and 2020. At least you didn't include the stolen 2007 and 2009 premierships, I guess.
KenW
Roar Rookie
Smith choosing to play on for a season with the Broncos or Titans or anyone else is all good. To make those decisions for money, future opportunities, family, or any other reason he has, is also all good. He's in a position that he can make any decision he likes and good on him. But it's a baffling game he's played, keeping everyone guessing and messing everyone around. I really can't guess what the payoff could be.
Paul
Roar Guru
Smith is only doing harm to his reputation by failing to announce his decision to play or retire. Right now, the Storm Club, fans, etc should be focused on the coming season but many are being distracted by his refusal to tell us what I think we now have a right to know. I also hope he's told his team mates, one way or another? If not, I'd question whether he's showing them respect, again given the season's only days from starting?
Joe
Roar Rookie
I truly believe Smith will play this year but can't decide whether it Broncos or Titans. The only reason he would have held off is because he wants to play on. I think it will be Titans considering where he has moved his family and the influence of Mal but he also has always wanted to play for the Broncos and has a great relationship with Kevvie. I think that is the only reason for the delay...also he may be wanting to see the two teams in action first.
Tony
Roar Guru
And let's not mention the salary cap.......