The future of Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith has been the topic of the NRL community lately.
There have been suggestions that he might reveal his post-season plans before clashing with the white-tailed eagles this weekend.
His future has been such a strong issue as it will affect two of the best prospects of the jersey number 9 competition – Brandon Smith and Harry Grant.
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It is generally accepted that there are three options for Smith.
The first is he’ll play with the storm for another year and given the way he’s playing right now, this is certainly a possibility.
Next he takes the opportunity to sign as a marquee with the Gold Coast Titans or Brisbane Broncos.
Justin Holbrook said earlier this week, however, that he hadn’t spoken to Smith and that he couldn’t see him leave Melbourne.
The other, of course, is that he hangs the boots with an incredible legacy that has been left behind.
Smith, however, was flown for a coaching role in the near future.
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But according to former rugby league coach and Sydney Morning Herald Columnist Roy Masters, this move could happen as early as next year.
It could also reunite one of the strongest rugby league trios of all time.
“Kevin Walters will have to leave his position as coach of Maroons State of Origin starting with the three games in November if he is named coach of the Broncos,” Masters wrote in a column for theHeraldon Friday.
“Some former Origin greats are seeing Smith as assistant to the Maroons this year and will fill the position full-time in 2021.
“This scenario would reunite three of the players – Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater and Smith – who contributed to Queensland’s spectacular success, winning eight consecutive series between 2006 and 2013.”
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It is widely believed that with a wealth of experience and choice, New South Wales is entering the early stages of a dynasty of its own.
The Queensland squad will have their say in this year’s series, of course, but the possible takeover of Smith alongside Thurston and Slater could revive their chances.
“The chemistry of the Maroons has never been quite right since Walters left Slater out of the series’ opening game in 2017, annoying some of the older players,” continued Masters.
“NSW’s subsequent success over the past two years has left the Maroons unable to paper the cracks, and some see a Smith-Thurston-Slater triumvirate advancing the next generation of Queensland players. “
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