As season 2014 approaches the Australian captain remains unsigned.
The Melbourne Storm are not holding back on trying to re-sign captain Cameron Smith as others teams in the NRL continue to express their interest in the hooker.
In what is sure to be his big deal in his career, Smith is set to be given a rich contract by the Storm with features several interesting opportunities for him when he decides to walk away from the game.
Smith who is already set to become the richest player in the NRL, with the Storm’s deal worth $4 million for four years, could also end up coaching the Storm.
Melbourne are mindful of the vacuum coach Craig Bellamy would leave when he retires from the club, want to see Smith coach the side to ensure the culture is maintained.
“Cameron has been very loyal to us. I’ve never been worried before about losing Cameron. It is in the Storm culture,” said co-owner Gerry Ryan, who with Bart Campbell, Michael Watt and Matthew Tripp purchase the club last May.
“Cameron definitely has coaching potential here. He’s had the perfect mentor in Craig Bellamy and he’s indicated it’s a path he may wish to pursue and we’d support that.
“I know he will make a good coach at Melbourne, no question.
“Now that we are independently owned from News Corp, we are developing a business network and looking at providing opportunities for Cameron in Melbourne after football.
“There are media and business opportunities, but if he so wishes, Cameron can develop and mentor players at this club.
“He would be great in that role.”
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