SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Cameron Smith of the Storm looks on before the NRL Preliminary Final match between the Sydney Roosters and the Melbourne Storm at the Sydney Cricket Ground on September 28, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

NRL all-time games record holder Cameron Smith has confirmed he will play a 19th season with the Melbourne Storm in 2020.

The 36-year-old captain will return to training in January before the start of the season in March.

During the 2019 season, Smith became the first NRL player to reach 400 games and will start next year with 411 appearances.

Smith confirmed the news on Twitter, and also had something to say on his rumoured switch to halfback for 2020.

“I’ve had a good break after another pretty big season in 2019. I’ve had time to relax and put my feet up and I’m feeling pretty fresh now,” Smith told the club's website.

“I’m looking forward to next year.

“I’ve been given some ‘long service’ leave (from training) as I had last year as well so I won’t be back until the New Year.

“That seemed to work really well last year. It gives me plenty of time to freshen up and get ready for another gruelling season.

“I’m excited to see the squad improve on last year….and seeing the younger guys go to another level again in 2020.”

Smith debuted in 2002 and played all of Melbourne 27 games in 2019. he finished runner-up in the Dally M Medal.

He has played at least 20 NRL games every year since his debut as well as 56 games for Australia and 42 State of Origin appearances for Queensland.

3 COMMENTS

  1. We all knew he would play, it was only a ploy to get a late start for training. Well done Smiffy, dose not have to start trainning until January.

  2. Suspect the Storm want him for his smarts, cool head and leadership abilities more than his athleticism. He has the experience so actual training in technique is less important for him. Jan is early enough to get match fit.

  3. Come on now, don’t be jealous of Smith’s abilities. Even at 36 age, he was the Runner-up in the Dally M behind Tedesco. So out of hundreds of NRL first grade Players, he still managed to beat all of them except one. So you fellows can have all your jealousy hissy-fits but it won’t change the Reality that Smith is Class above the Rest and is a once in a Century player.

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