'Knows a fair bit': Cameron Smith's stunning return to Melbourne Storm
Cameron Smith made a shock appearance in the Melbourne Storm coaching box during their 44-18 thrashing of the Dragons on Sunday.
The recently retired club champion was spotted sitting behind Craig Bellamy in the box at Suncorp Stadium, observing the action on the field.
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It was the first time Smith has been seen at a Storm game since announcing his retirement before the opening round of the 2021 season.
Bellamy addressed Smith's cameo after the game, revealing he'd used the 430-game champion for advice.
“I expected to get a bit advice and he spoke up a couple of times,” Bellamy said.
“I love his opinions. Well, I don’t love his opinions. I treasure them.
"Sometimes it is not what I think, but for a guy that has played 400 games and 100 rep games he knows a fair bit about the game.
“He was quite handy actually. I asked him a couple of questions and a couple of the coaches did as well.
"I’d like him to be in there every week but that is probably not going to happen.”
Bellamy said he'd even offered Smith a full-time gig if he wanted it.
“We would be silly if we didn’t take his opinion on board. It’s not as if he’s in your ear the whole 80 minutes but it was good to have him there," he said.
“It was good to see him again. It was really nice to have him back in the dressing room.”
It’d be like having the referees wired to your ear #nothanks
— Greg Lynn (@GregLynn73) May 16, 2021
succession planing?
— Sir Dave Lennon (@Davelennonabc) May 16, 2021
no but you could speculate the hell out of it.... actually let me start... he will coach next year and he will be the player coach!
— Sir Dave Lennon (@Davelennonabc) May 16, 2021
Cameron Smith to join Channel Nine commentary team
On Saturday, the 37-year-old announced he'll be doing some commentary for Channel Nine throughout the rest of 2021.
Smith said he's excited to be joining fellow Queensland and Kangaroos teammates Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater in the role.
"I'm excited to be joining Nine's Wide World of Sports and being a part of the biggest rugby league matches of the year, including State of Origin and the NRL grand final," Smith told Wide World of Sports.
"I grew up listening to Ray Warren, so to now join him in the commentary box for these history making moments is surreal and very humbling.
"JT and Billy have transitioned seamlessly since stepping off the field and I can't wait to join them at Nine.
"It's going to be a big challenge, but I'm looking forward to starting this next phase of my career."
Smith played 430 games for the Storm before announcing his retirement in March.
He also featured in 42 State of Origin games for Queensland and played 56 Tests for Australia.
The Brisbane-born hooker is the only player in history to surpass 400 games after making his debut in 2002.
His retirement marked the first time Smith hasn't appeared in a Melbourne round one team since 2003.
Among his other honours are two Dally M Medals (in 2006 and 2017) and two Golden Boot awards, for the player adjudged to be the best in the world (in 2007 and 2017).
with AAP
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