Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski has made a stark Cameron Smith admission, confirming that he doesn’t expect the future Immortal to continue his career in purple in 2021.
Speaking for the first time since he took the top job earlier this month, Rodski told Sportsday that Smith has earnt the right to take his time on the decision.
“He’s certainly left it a little late hasn’t he,” Rodski said.
“Look, he’s earnt the right to take his time in making the decision, he’s the most capped player of all time and the greatest player of all time.
“I think he might have seen Tom Brady over at the Super Bowl and it’s meant he’s taken a couple of extra weeks to make his decision.”
Smith moved his family north to Queensland at the conclusion of the 2020 season, and Rodski suggested the former Storm captain is likely to spend 2021 and onwards in the Sunshine State.
“Look, he moved his family up to Queensland late last year,” he added.
“We’ve been preparing from a club perspective for life with and life without Cameron, we’re going to give him every opportunity to make that decision.
“If he does end up hanging up the boots it’s been an incredible career, if he does keep playing on who does know what he can do over the next few years.
“He has moved his family north so it’s unlikely that he’ll play at the Melbourne Storm if he chooses to play on.”
With the 2021 NRL season only two weeks away, it is expected that Smith will soon make a decision between retirement or playing on for the Brisbane Broncos or Gold Coast Titans.
Listen to Rodski’s full chat on Sportsday below:
