CAMERON Smith has for the first time hinted 2018 might be his last season, telling media at the NRL launch that it was “not clear” in his mind that he would play on next season.

It’s a possibility that puts the games-record holder’s extraordinary pursuit of 400 in doubt, with the Storm champion — currently sitting on 358 NRL appearances — tracking to hit that milestone next year if he plays on and stay healthy.



Having just had arguably his greatest ever season, scooping the pool of individual awards including the Dally M Medal and the Golden Boot, on top of tasting the ultimate team success at club, Origin and international level it would be a shock if Smith decided to hang up the boots at the end of this season.

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Round 20

However, at the age of 34 and playing one of the most demanding positions in the game, Smith said he would have to seriously consider his options before signing a deal to take him beyond this season.

“I have always thought I would never stay too long,” Smith told media, including the Courier-Mail, at the season launch.

“I don’t want to go a season too long, not play well and everyone say you should have got out.

“I would rather finish while I am still playing strong. Family is a big part of my life — a bigger part of my life than what rugby league is now. That will play a huge part in my decision about whether I play again next year.

“At the moment, in my mind, I am not clear about whether I will play next year.”

Cameron Smith is ‘not clear’ on playing on next season. Source: Getty Images

Speaking to Fox Sports, Smith said he was yet to discuss his future with the Storm, although he admitted his management “may have taken a phone call here and there”.

He said in the end the decision would come naturally to him depending on how the start of the 2018 season goes for him.

“Mentally I’m ready to go, I’m very keen to get involved in this season but with the short preparation my focus has been on physically preparing for another big year — it hasn’t been at all about 2019,” Smith said.

“I want to make sure I start the year well and the team starts the year well and once we get under way then maybe some discussions can start happening about 2019.”

Smith has spoken on several occasions about the prospect of being the first player to surpass 400 games and he reiterated to Fox Sports that it would be “quite a significant moment” if it happened.

However he said that milestone would not form part of his decision to play on or retire.

“For myself though, when it comes to numbers or games played I don’t really think about that too much,” Smith said.

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The Storm skipper has always been a fan favourite. Source: Getty Images

“All I think about is going out and playing on the weekend and doing the very best I can for whoever I’m representing, whether that’s Melbourne, Queensland or Australia.

“Those numbers add up along the way. As the age old saying goes, when you’re having fun time flies.

“And it only feels like not so long ago that I played my first game, in round 2 2002 against the Bulldogs. I still remember it clear as day.

“It’s been a very enjoyable journey from my first match to now and if I’m lucky enough to get to that number it would certainly be a very special day, it would be quite surreal if I’m honest, but at the moment I’m just enjoying what I’m doing and if those numbers keep stacking up then so be it.”