Cameron Smith’s future in the game remains unknown with the Melbourne Storm legend yet to make a call on his career.
There has been plenty of chatter around the veteran superstar who is without a contract for season 2021 and hasn’t officially stated whether or not he will play on.
It seems highly unlikely that Smith will be back with the reigning NRL premiers after he and his family moved to south-east Queensland which prompted talk of a potential shift to the Gold Coast Titans.
League Immortal Andrew Johns has weighed in on the protracted Smith story, saying he would rather not see the 37-year-old hooker pull on another side’s jersey.
“It’s a strange one. He definitely won’t be playing for the Storm again,” Johns said on SEN Breakfast.
“I hope he doesn’t play for the Gold Coast Titans. It just wouldn’t look right with him playing in another jersey.
“Those champions, you just want to see them play for one club. It’s a big decision for Cameron.
“If he wanted to, he could probably play for another three years because his game is built on smarts, not built on speed or strength. He’s just so clever.”
If Smith did opt to continue playing by joining the Titans, Johns firmly believes he would have a significant impact on a team that improved to a ninth-place finish in 2020.
“If he went to the Gold Coast they would definitely play semi-finals,” the Newcastle great added.
“I don’t think they could win the premiership with Cameron going there. If he went there, they’d definitely make the semis and maybe even the top four.
“He’s that much of an influencial player on the field but also off it. He’s a still a little bit of a lad, he likes a beer with the boys, but he’s just such a great leader.
“He’s revered in the game. If he went there, he’d have a huge impact, not just on the team and the club, but on the community.”
Johns also touched on Storm coach Craig Bellamy who has been linked with a move to the Brisbane Broncos over the past few months.
He suggests the 61-year-old should stay put with his current club and keep establishing himself as one of the game’s absolute greats.
“Once again, I wouldn’t want to see Craig coach another team,” he said.
“What he’s done down there in Melbourne is just unbelievable. They’ve lost Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater - all-time great players - and they still continue to be at the top and win premierships.
“Craig Bellamy, for me, is up there in the argument as the best coach ever to coach in rugby league.
“Definitely in the top three along with Wayne Bennett, but there’s an argument to say he’s up there with the greatest.”
The Storm kick off their 2021 NRL season against South Sydney on March 11.