Smith stays with Storm
Cameron Smith will lead Melbourne into the
NRL season – and put himself on track to become the first player to reach 400 games – after the club announced his long-awaited resigning on a two-year extension and end months of uncertainty surrounding the ex-Australian captain’s future.
It is believed Smith, 35, wanted a two-year deal but the club preferred a one-year contract, contributing to the delay. He has also travelled extensively during the break, spending time overseas and in far north Queensland.
‘‘I’m very happy to be continuing my career with the club that gave me an opportunity to play first grade rugby league,’’ Smith said. ‘‘With Bill Slater and Ryan Hoffman retiring last season, I want to give Craig [Bellamy] and the coaching staff all the support they need, particularly with so much talent coming through.’’
Preparing for his 18th season – all with the same club – Smith is set to become the first player to play 400 NRL games. He is currently on a record 384 games. Turning 36 in June, Smith is the second-oldest player in the competition behind Cronulla’s Paul Gallen.
Smith only missed one Storm match last season, having retired from representative football, and coach Craig Bellamy was vocal about his importance to the club, particularly with superstar fullback Slater retiring after the 2018 grand final defeat.