Smith hunting Storm contract

CAMERON Smith hopes to finalise a contract extension at Melbourne Storm sooner rather than later, having not even considered NRL retirement.

News Corp revealed last month the Storm had formally tabled a oneyear extension to the Smith camp, but as yet the contract remains unsigned.

Asked whether progress had been made, Smith yesterday said, “not as yet”.

“The situation hasn’t changed, I’m still keen to play on,” Smith said.

“It’s just a matter of the club and management working out what’s best for both parties next year and hopefully it happens soon and we can get on with it.”

The new contract would put the NRL games’ record holder within striking distance of the previously preposterous 400 milestone.

Smith, 35, retired from representative commitments this season, hopeful the surprise decision in June will prolong his NRL career.

“I’d like to play on because I still feel like I’m contributing to the side and still feeling I’m well enough physically and mentally to go on next year,” Smith said.

“When you think about retirement, you’re a long time retired and you don’t want to live next part of your life regretting or wishing that you should have played on.

“I have no thoughts in my mind that I want to finish, or I’ve had enough of playing, that certainly was the case with my rep footy, I was well and truly done there.”