Meninga rules out Titans bid for Smith

It would be a remarkable story if he pulled on a Broncos jersey, the club he grew up in Logan supporting, for a career swan song.

The Titans were believed to be leading the race for Smith (pictured), but Meninga admitted nothing had eventuated from the Gold Coast’s interest.

“We haven’t talked to Cam Smith, that is 100 per cent fact,” Meninga said.

“It really is that simple. There is all sorts of talk about him living on the Gold Coast and playing for us, but we haven’t spoken to him.

“I don’t have any idea what Cam is doing. I don’t know if he’s retiring. I’m in the dark like everyone else. But I know he won’t be at the Titans.

“Look, the reality is he is a Melbourne boy and the Storm have some very powerful businessmen.

“Because he was down at Mudgeeraba in a light blue shirt kicking a footy around in boots people want to think he’s going to sign with the Titans. I wasn’t behind the toilet shed trying to sign him I can tell you. He won’t be with us, simple as that.”

Smith’s future has become one of the most mysterious narratives in NRL history.

His Storm deal expired in November but he has yet to formally announce his retirement, despite being chaired off Suncorp Stadium by Melbourne teammates during last year’s finals series.

The Titans had the salary cap space to sign Smith, but he never responded to Meninga’s approach and will not be turning out for the Gold Coast.

“Does that mean people will finally stop asking me?” said Titans coach Justin Holbrook with a laugh.

“I was always happy with Mitch Rein, Erin Clark and Tanah Boyd (at hooker), that’s why I was never too worried about it all.

“It was good for the hype, but I said all along you need to ask him what he wants to do.

“I have never spoken to him. We will see what he ends up doing.”