Craig Bellamy believes Cameron Smith is genuinely considering retirement.

Bellamy - who was awarded his fifth Dally M coach of the year gong on Wednesday night - also accepted the Captain of the Year award on behalf of Smith, who has been struck down with a virus.

Craig Bellamy (left) has suggested skipper Cameron Smith is weighing up retirement. Credit:AAP

When asked about Smith while accepting the award, Bellamy seemed to suggest the player many consider rugby league’s best ever may hang up the boots.

Smith has a player option in his favour for next season and while he was widely tipped to play on, Bellamy hinted that may no longer be the case.