HUNT SHIFT LEAVES McINNES IN LIMBO
INSPIRATIONAL St George Illawarra captain Cameron McInnes may need to “explore opportunities” at rival NRL clubs if the Dragons stick with Ben Hunt as long-term hooker.
That was the frank admission by McInnes’ agent Steve Gillis that should send shockwaves through the Dragons before Saturday’s showdown against Canterbury, a club that is on the look out for an experienced dummy-half.
Wests Tigers will be another club chasing a top-shelf No.9 if they don’t get to keep Harry Grant in 2021.
McInnes, 26, is not off contract until the end of next season and Gillis was adamant the hardworking skipper had shown no desire to want out following his recent move to lock.
But despite McInnes’ undeniable loyalty, the reality is there is a genuine concern his market value will plummet if he continues to play out of position.
While Hunt gets paid $1 million-plus a season, McInnes would be lucky to be on a contract worth half of that.
Gillis said McInnes had not indicated any interest to explore his options at this stage.
“But putting my agent’s hat on, at some point we will probably have a discussion whether this (lock) is a long-term position, or whether he will explore opportunities to wear the No.9 jumper,” he said.
CAMERON Smith is three weeks away from deciding whether to end the most extraordinary career in rugby league history.
The Storm champion said he would have discussions with coach Craig Bellamy, conscious that a decision needed to be made sooner rather than later.
The career of boom Wests Tigers loan player Harry Grant is resting on his decision.
“I’m not going to string them out and leave them high and dry,” Smith said.
“Either way I’ve got to give them a bit of a heads-up.”
Those closest to Smith are indicating the eight-time Dally M hooker of the year will call it quits after a remarkable career that started way back in 2002 and has seen him run out in Storm colours for 420 NRL games.
Asked if he was mindful of Grant’s future with the club, Smith said: “It’s not just Harry, it’s the entire squad.
“There’s also Brandon Smith. There’s the entire salary cap. Me playing or not playing doesn’t just affect those two boys.
“I’m certainly very conscious of the situation around our club and where everyone’s career is at. All that will come into consideration when I make my decision.”
Even at 37, Smith is playing some outstanding football. He may no longer be the number one player in the competition but he is certainly in the top half dozen, whether it be at hooker or stylishly guiding Storm from the halves while Cameron Munster is out injured. The former Kangaroos captain says he has the support of his wife Barbara and family whichever way he goes: “She’s a legend, my missus, and she’ll support any decision I make.”
Storm chairman Matt Tripp says there is no pressure on Smith. “No one will be rushing Cameron,” Tripp said. “What he’s done for Melbourne Storm gives him every entitlement to move at his own pace and think through what’s best for himself and his family.”
Sadly, Smith will not get the opportunity for a home ground farewell in Melbourne if he decides to retire because of COVID-19 and the closure of Victoria’s stadiums, probably for the rest of the year.
He says the talks with Bellamy will be crucial in midAugust.
“Craig’s never been one with guys like Billy, Cooper or Ryan Hoffman to walk up and say ‘give it away’,” he said.
“But I’d like to get his thoughts. We’ve been close for such a long time.”
One thing Smith has ruled out is a State of Origin comeback for the Maroons in November.
“It’s raised every year,” he said. “It won’t be happening.”