Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith will take time off and have a think about his future

Author: Margie McDonald NRL.com Senior Reporter
Timestamp: Sun 29 Sep 2019, 12:12 AM

Cameron Smith said losing a preliminary final was not the time to make decisions about his playing future with Melbourne Storm and whether he wants to push that to a 19th NRL season.

"Definitely not. You've got to let the emotion simmer down a bit because you don't want to go making any rash decisions off the back of a difficult result," Smith said in the SCG sheds after the 14-6 loss to the Roosters.

"My thoughts all year have been to play on next year so that's probably where I'm at, at the moment," Smith added.

"Things might change over the next little period, where I've got some time off to think about some things, weigh up what's happening next year.

"I haven't even spoken to [coach] Craig [Bellamy] or anyone at the club on their thoughts of me next year. I've got to ask him first if he wants me to play again – if he does then I'll have a think about it."

Bellamy told journalists in his post-match press conference that if Smith wanted to discuss it he would come and knock on his door.

"But he's got to make that decision himself. Obviously he'll consult with his family and go from there," Bellamy said.

Finals Week 3 - Finals Week 3 - Saturday 28 Sep

Full Time

Roosters

Storm

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

Highlights Latest

"Whatever decision he makes, I'll back him 100 per cent. Whatever he wants to do he's earned the right to do it. He's been more than a wonderful player … I can't find the words to describe the influence he's had on our club."

Bellamy, who has coached the Storm to eight grand finals, agreed Smith deserved to have a proper farewell game.

However, he wasn't so sure Sydney would be the ideal location because of the criticism directed at the former Test and Origin captain over his tackling style and engagement with the referees.

"He's not going to get any raps up here. All he does is get brick-bats up here," Bellamy said.

"So hopefully his last game is in Melbourne or Brisbane."

Smith said now – the end of 2019 season – was not the first time he's flirted with retirement in his head.

"In 2017 after we won the premiership I was a little the same. I was out of contract and there was a little window there to think about finishing up," Smith said.

"But I still had a lot of passion for the game and thought I could contribute to Melbourne Storm. And I feel that way still.

Smith on whether this was his last game

"After the last two or three seasons I've thoroughly enjoyed my football and I've played a very different role for the side in those seasons, compared with the first 15 years, because of the loss of some experienced players and the injection of a lot of youth into our organisation.

"It's brought some different enjoyments to playing and training. But I can't give an answer right now as I'm bitterly disappointed with the loss."

Bellamy said he was "ultra proud" of his team, despite falling short of a fourth NRL grand final in a row. Saturday's loss was only their sixth of the 2019 season.

Smith sends Asofa-Solomona over close to the line

"To do what they did during the year was quite exceptional," he said.

"There's two trophies up for grabs and I know there's one a whole heap bigger than the other one. But we'll console ourselves with the minor one [JJ Giltinan minor premiership shield].

"And I was really proud of their effort tonight. We just need to learn - from a couple of things we did tonight - on what we need to do at the right time.

"That's the thing we'll be really concentrating on in our [2020] pre-season."