With Cameron Smith still undecided on his future there is further speculation that Brisbane will secure their man. It's somewhat satisfying seeing the Storm desperate to retain a player so crucial to their success.
Smith's influence in the NRL's southernmost team is unparalleled for a hooker. Without him Melbourne look clueless in attack. He is the spark for virtually every single one of their plays.
In a somewhat cynical and some may say sadistic point of view, I honestly can't wait for the day that Smith either leaves Melbourne or retires. Not because the knees and ankles of defenceless players will once again be safe, but because Melbourne will well and truly struggle without him.
It really would be sweet to see Smith return to Queensland and watch Melbourne aimlessly wonder around the park. Hinchcliffe may be an admirable replacement but there's a reason why he plays both back-row and hooker... he isn't Cameron Smith.
Whilst Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater form two-thirds of the Big Three, Smith is a lot more important than those two. Melbourne have shown they can win without Slater and Cronk, they can't without Smith.
Listening to Triple M the other day, Ray Warren said that should one or more of those three retire, Melbourne do not have a replacement to fill each role. He went on to say that a severely weakened Melbourne is no good for the game, but then again neither is a struggling Parramatta or a struggling Brisbane.
I can't wait for Melbourne to walk out at the start of a season in the not-too-distant future without their long-time captain.
When that day comes I'll be more than happy to say "Welcome to the NRL, Melbourne, no amount of brown paper bags can prevent a retirement or the calls of a hometown."
Replies
You & I both, Super. They're all on the wrong side of 30 and with any luck things will go downhill pretty quick.
I'm sure the NRL are planning ahead.
They'll make sure 1 or 2 top-line players are recruited to keep the Cheats strong.
Maybe that's because the others didn't do what the Storm did. Or at least most clubs wouldn't have.
I think he will stay. The way the storm that went out last year they could be going slowly down the ladder.
Smith is without doubt the best player in the game, As good as slater and Cronk are they are nothing without him.
He wont leave the storm.
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