Smith decision looms

CAMERON Smith’s father says a decision from his son is “imminent” and believes the Storm champion is ready to announce his NRL retirement.

Speaking exclusively to News Corp, Wayne Smith — the man who knows the Storm hooker best — revealed the 37year-old is unlikely to chase a swan song at the Broncos or Titans due to his loyalty to the Storm.

Melbourne want a definitive call from Smith this week

as the Storm attempt to retain hooking understudies Harry Grant and Brandon Smith under the salary cap for 2021.

The Storm have space in their salary cap to retain the 423-game legend for a last hurrah in 2021, but Smith senior suggested the former Queensland Origin and Australia skipper is leaning towards walking away for good.

“My gut feel is that Cam may put the cue in the rack,” Smith said.

“Cam will make a decision shortly. He told me three weeks ago he would make a call and it’s now been four weeks, so the decision is imminent.

“Mentally and physically, he feels he can play on next year, but he is weighing up other factors.

“Physically, Cam feels fine and says he could go another year, but whether that’s with Melbourne, Brisbane or the Titans, I don’t know. He won’t go to a Sydney club.

“Within himself, he feels he can go again, but he doesn’t want to commit to anything that he can’t back up.

“Rather than let anyone down, he would rather retire.”

Wayne Smith said the Storm captain is mindful of the repercussions for Grant and Brandon Smith, who will leave the club if the skipper stays on.

“I wouldn’t like Cam to damage his legacy,’ he said.