Smith makes massive call on Cronk's future

Cameron Smith has opened up about whether Cooper Cronk will retire or play on at another club in 2018.

Cronk's future is still a mystery, after he announced in April that he would leave the Storm to move closer to his partner in Sydney at the end of the season.

Whether he will link with another club or retire is still unknown, with Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy suggesting on Sunday that time was running out for the 33-year-old to make his call as clubs finalise their rosters for 2018.

But Bellamy revealed his star playmaker had agreed to mentor the Storm's next generation of young halves once he does hang up the boots.

"I think Cooper has got a clause that when he actually retires he will do a bit of part-time coaching with the Storm," Bellamy told Triple M.

"If he (retires) he will do one or two days with us and that will be with our young halfbacks.

"Not only his knowledge but also how he actually relates to the young guys and his teaching skills is going to be very handy for us."

On Monday Storm captain Smith was also asked about what he expects Cronk to do in 2018, hinting at retirement as the most-likely option.

"It'd be a bit strange if he's playing at another club and coaching our guys," Smith said.

"I'm not really leaning one way or the other and what he decides to do is up to him.

"But at this stage I reckon he may finish up (retire), I just get that feeling.

"But I wouldn't be surprised if he plays on."

Cronk has been linked to a number of Sydney clubs for 2018, most notably both Cronulla and South Sydney.

The Queensland and Kangaroos halfback said earlier in the year that he wouldn't decide his future until after the State of Origin series, but Bellamy thought that could lead to his retirement.

"With all due respect I think the longer it goes the less likely it is that he probably will play," Bellamy said.

"I'm not sure a club is going to have the money to pay him if he doesn't decide to play on soon."

with AAP