The awkward moment Cameron Smith teases retirement plans
Cameron Smith created an awkward atmosphere in the post-match press conference after teasing the media over his retirement plans.
With Billy Slater already making the decision to hang up the boots come season’s end, Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy’s reaction was priceless.
Smith floated the idea of joining Slater if they win the NRL grand final next weekend, in what would be a fairytale send-off for the pair.
But Craig Bellamy wasn’t buying it.
“We’re losing on of them and that’s bad enough, we don’t want to be losing both of them,” Bellamy interjected.
“Zip it up boys.”
The awkward moment was instigated after Smith was quizzed on whether he was serious about his stance, and still intended on playing on in 2019.
“I don’t know, if we were to win it. If we were to go and play well next week, I don’t know. You’d consider it,” Smith said.
“Maybe. I don’t know.
“I don’t have a contract for next year yet … We’ll just get through the week first and see what happens.”
“Players finish up all the time and new players come in and you start writing about them.
“I’ve got all intention of going around next year, you guys posed the question to me. If we were to win would you consider it?
“I don’t know, we win first and we’ll see what happens. At this stage I want to play on.
“Does that clear it up for you? Clear as mud.”
The comments come after Smith has long indicated he wanted to play next season after his shock decision to retire from representative football just weeks out from State of Origin earlier this year.
Reports also emerged this week he was close to finalising a deal with the Storm for next year that would likely see him become the first player to reach the 400-game mark.
The old firm of Smith and Slater stood tall on Friday night in their last game together at AAMI Park, combining for the try just before halftime which put the game beyond doubt.
“I was a bit nervous about the outcome (of the preliminary final) for Billy,” Smith said.
“This week I’ve been having small moments to myself on the training paddock where I’m doing extras with Bill.
“I’ve been thinking I would love another chance to have another week on the paddock with him.
with AAP.
