'Played his last game': Club owner drops huge Cam Smith bombshell
The Melbourne Storm have given the strongest indication yet that Cameron Smith’s glittering career with the club is over and he’s likely to retire.
The Storm plan to resolve Smith's NRL future this weekend after being kept in the dark, despite the skipper making a flying visit to the Victorian capital.
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Smith was in Storm territory for the first time since the club was forced to relocate to Queensland in May for the 2020 NRL season due to COVID-19 in Melbourne.
He appeared at a marathon signing session of his autobiography at a bookstore but didn't make time to talk to any Melbourne club officials.
Smith also refused to take any questions from the media.
Instead, Storm chairman Matt Tripp is set to fly to Queensland this weekend to meet with the long-time captain to get a final answer.
With Smith out of contract and having bought a house on the Gold Coast, the Storm have already removed the 37-year-old from the club website.
Storm part owner and director Ryan said, while he hadn't heard a final decision, he'd put money on Melbourne's grand final triumph being Smith's last match.
"Cameron hasn't come out and said to us. I think he's holding the meeting at bay," Ryan told SEN radio.
"So, no, he's played his last game at Melbourne and I think he'll retire.
"The great man, I think he's realised it's time to hang the boots up, and what a great career."
Ryan said they wanted to keep Smith involved in the club in an advisor capacity although expected he had a similar offer from Brisbane.
He also thought the two Queensland AFL clubs would chase Smith to work in a leadership role.
Tripp is also hoping to meet with Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, who has stayed on in Queensland after the Storm relocated there for the season.
Bellamy has a coaching director offer from Brisbane for 2022, at the end of his Melbourne contract.
Another Smith set for Storm exit
The Smith news comes after it emerged on Monday that his namesake Brandon Smith is seeking a move away from the Storm.
St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin has all but ruled out making a play for Brandon Smith as the Melbourne hooker eyes a new NRL club in 2022.
Despite playing as a bench forward this season, the New Zealand international sees himself as a starting No.9 and won't compete for a spot with good friend Harry Grant at the Storm should Storm captain Smith retire.
On Monday Smith's agent sent an email to 14 NRL clubs notifying them of his availability for 2022 - with a release from Melbourne conditional on getting a player of similar calibre in return.
It's understood the email sparked interest from a number of NRL clubs willing to offer Smith a No.9 role, with the Dragons ruling out a move for him.
The Wests Tigers, Manly and Canterbury have been mentioned as likely destinations for the 24-year-old Smith.
Michael Maguire has spent time with Smith as coach of the Kiwis, while the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles could use a quality hooker to bolster their spine.
The only club that wasn't included on the email list was Gold Coast, although they are likely to be interested in luring him to the club.
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