Coach backs Cam return

STORM coach Craig Bellamy says he has “no doubt” Cameron Smith could play Origin again this year after the Queensland Rugby League issued an SOS to the champion dummy-half.

The push to recall Smith into a Maroons jersey gained fresh momentum yesterday after QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher outlined his desire for the Storm hooker to captain Queensland.

The 35-year-old Smith retired from representative duty last year but said he would “never say never” when asked about a Maroons return on Sunday. His Melbourne mentor Bellamy yesterday said he had full confidence Smith still had the skill to play in the Origin arena but revealed the champion hooker wanted to spend more time with his family instead.

“I’ve got no doubt he could still play Origin,” Bellamy said.

“The way he’s playing his footy this year, there’s no doubt … at all.

“If he wanted to do that, he’d have my blessing. What he’s done for us and what he’s done for the game, I think he should be able to do what he likes.”