The will-he or won't-he situation regarding Cameron Smith and retirement continues.
Will Smith end arguably the greatest career the game has seen at the end of 2020 or will his playing days continue.
If he does continue what jersey will he wear? The Storm would love to know, as would prospective suitors Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
As the league world waits, the experts at NRL.com have their say on what they think Smith will be doing in 2021.
Expert's view
Jamie Soward (former Blues five-eighth)
Cameron Smith should play on next year. You are a long time retired and nothing in his game this year has shown me that one more year is beyond him.
Steve Renouf (Maroons legend)
I can sense a Melbourne Storm premiership brewing so what better way for Cameron Smith to finish his career than with a premiership. I'd like to see him enjoy his retirement and if he was to move to Queensland take up a role with the Broncos or Titans as a coach. He won't be short of offers.
Cook backs Smith to play on
Paul Suttor (NRL.com editor)
Cameron Smith grew up wanting to be a Bronco, he can help both them and the Storm by playing for them next year - it will mean Melbourne can retain Brandon Smith and Harry Grant and Brisbane can accelerate their rebuild in the blink of an eye to re-establish a top-shelf culture.
Mary Konstantopoulos (Ladies Who League)
Cameron has achieved everything there is to achieve in rugby league and will go down as one of our greatest. If I was him, I would retire at the end of the year. While the Broncos opportunity would be a big challenge, I don't think he has anything else to prove.
Lone Scout (NRL.com Fantasy guru)
I feel like he'd like to wait until after the Storm's season is over to decide – retire a winner if Melbourne triumphs in the grand final, or play on for another season if not. If he does play on the best move for everybody may be a switch to the Gold Coast, where he can kickstart what could be a boom period.
Dan Walsh (NRL.com reporter)
Win the grand final and retire. No better way to go. For the sake of the Storm, Brandon Smith and Harry Grant, a call on his future has to come before then, but Melbourne can handle the hype around a farewell tour. Sending Smith on his way with one more premiership ring might just get them past the Roosters.
Brad Walter (NRL.com senior reporter)
After more than 400 matches, the game's greatest player is still one of its best so if he feels up to it Smith should keep playing. If he stays at Mebourne, he will build on a magnificent legacy but that won't be eroded if he decides to help the Broncos or Titans rebuild. It could even be enhanced.
Bellamy doubles down on Smith stance
Tanisha Stanton (NRL.com reporter)
Smith has earned the right to do what he pleases. Surely a switch to the Titans is being considered with the end of season form they are showing and the promising 2021 roster that he would further enhance.
Joel Gould (NRL.com reporter)
Cameron Smith has earned the right to finish the way he wants. If he retires it would be great for the game in general and the Queensland Maroons if he took up a position on the coaching staff. Queensland will need all the nous they can get in the future.
Chris Kennedy (NRL.com reporter)
The short answer is "whatever he wants, he's Cameron Smith". I suspect he'll retire but personally I'd love to see him play one more year but do it at the Titans to see what he can help instill up there.
Slater and Bellamy in awe of Papenhuyzen
Troy Whittaker (NRL.com reporter)
Would love to see Cameron go around with the Titans, where he could have a huge impact on a promising squad. He's still among the most influential players in the game so let's appreciate his greatness while we can.
Margie McDonald (NRL.com senior reporter)
Preferably he's giving that 400-plus game body a well-earned rest, safe in the knowledge that no-one in this lifetime or the next will beat his record. If he's not playing let's put that brilliant rugby league mind to work where he can put his incredible knowledge and experience back into the game.
Martin Lenehan (NRL.com senior journalist)
The time has come for Smith to put his feet up, spend more time with his family and bask in the glory of a magnificent career. The Storm are well placed for life after Smith. The sooner Smith retires the sooner he can become an Immortal – an honour he thoroughly deserves.
Zac Bailey (NRL.com reporter)
It would be sad to see him walk away from the game, given he has proven he still has plenty to offer, but if he decides to play on, he will come under criticism either way. Personally, I'd love to see Smith test himself by spearheading the Titans rebuild.
Every try from round 17
Alicia Newton (NRL.com reporter)
If he wins the competition then he should retire. Harry Grant and Brandon Smith are capable of taking over. A finals exit and shortened season may otherwise help him go around again in 2021. Either way it should be at the Storm - he should stay a one-club man.
Kenny Scott (NRL.com Sunday Session podcaster)
The odd thing about Cameron is that while he is nearly universally acknowledged as one of the greatest ever players, half of those that believe in his greatness also seem to dislike him. The best way for him to stick it to those green-eyed monsters is to move to the Gold Coast in 2021 and create a glamour club for the glamour strip.
The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARL Commission, NRL clubs or state associations.
