Smith slams door on Maroons return
QUEENSLAND legend Cameron Smith will not be making a return to Origin after the former skipper said: “My time as an Origin player is finished.”
There have been growing calls for Smith to reconsider his representative retirement amid an injury crisis for the Maroons.
The 35-year-old is still at the top of his game, having started the year in outstanding fashion to sit second on the Dally M medal count behind teammate Cameron Munster.
But Smith has no intention of reversing his shock decision to retire from representative football at the end of 2017.
“My thoughts on Origin haven’t changed from the day I decided to finish up,” Smith said.
“I was fortunate to have my time at that level. Now it’s time for the younger Queenslanders to take that jersey and represent our great state and do what they do best.
“Create a bit of history for themselves and their own story. I’m not too sure how this has got any momentum at all. It’s just come out of nowhere. I’ve got no intention at all to be available for Origin.
“I’m finished in that space of my career. I really enjoyed my time there. Unfortunately, things come to an end.
“My time as an Origin player is now finished.”
Injuries to probable Maroons skipper Daly CherryEvans and Jake Friend have prompted suggestions that Queensland coach Kevin Walters should entice Smith back.
Walters this week said he would resist the temptation to reach out to Smith or Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk.
Hours before Smith spoke with the Bulletin, his club coach Craig Bellamy had given him his “blessing” if he wanted to add to his record 42 Origin games.
Smith said he had lost the hunger to play for the Maroons.
“If I was back there I would still enjoy it,” Smith said. “I remember talking about the reasons why I finished up.
“That was because I just don’t feel like I can (fulfil) the extra commitments on top of my club and family commitments. It’s just something I’m not willing to do now.
“My love and passion for Queensland and the Maroons team will never change. That will always be there, but my desire to play and be part of it is not there anymore.”
The news will be a welcome relief to NSW, who are looking to win back-to-back series for the first time since 2005.
Smith will press ahead with his march towards an unprecedented 400th game when he turns out for game 392 against the Sharks tonight.
I’M FINISHED IN THAT SPACE OF MY CAREER. I REALLY ENJOYED MY TIME THERE. UNFORTUNATELY, THINGS COME TO AN END. CAMERON SMITH