Rugby league icon Cameron Smith has accomplished nearly all there is to achieve in the sport, and former teammate Cameron Munster has hinted that the future Immortal might consider taking over as coach from Craig Bellamy, even though he is moving north to join fierce rivals the Broncos.
The player with the most appearances in the Premiership's history will take on a mentoring role with the premiers this season, following his well-known decision to join Melbourne over Brisbane when he was young.
Smith emerged as the finest dummy-half the world has ever witnessed and was instrumental in building legacies at the Storm, Maroons, and Kangaroos.
However, he will now oppose his former club following a collaboration with Broncos coach Michael Maguire, as Munster hopes to have Smith return to Melbourne in the future once master coach Craig Bellamy decides to step down.
"Likely, his wife didn't want him to travel to Melbourne each week, as he missed a significant portion of his children's lives," Munster stated in Melbourne.
He shares a positive relationship with Madge (Maguire) from their time at the Storm, and I believe Madge mentored him during his period here as an assistant, so they have a strong connection.
It's frustrating to witness him in various hues, yet he clearly aims for some growth. There are multiple approaches to achieving a goal, so he evidently believes there's an alternative method of coaching.
You never can tell, he might experience some growth there and then return. Who knows? I'm not entirely certain who the next coach will be following Craig, but I believe Billy (Storm legend Billy Slater) or Cam would be suitable choices.
It would be great (if he were to take over). Not many men have a record or the recognition or premierships and awards (that he has). I'm not certain he hasn't won one, apart from the Clive Churchill Medal.
Maguire commented on Smith's arrival at the club during a radio interview.
"I'm not going to deny it, I did a double take when I spotted him in the uniform," Maguire said to SENQ Breakfast.
But it's wonderful to have someone of his reputation and all his expertise.
He will collaborate with our leaders, me, and the coaching team, and he offers input when appropriate.
He discusses the game with the players, but it's a wide-ranging position, so we're not limiting him to one particular aspect due to the way he interacts with people.
Although Smith's future with the Storm might become a significant issue later, the club is involved in a bitter dispute with the Eels regarding Zac Lomax's contract.
Lomax was let go by Parramatta to join the rebel code R360, but the agreement collapsed following the competition's postponement to 2028.
A condition in the release stated that he was not allowed to join another club unless the Eels received appropriate payment, which is the reason he has not been able to move to the Storm even though discussions about financial compensation or a possible player exchange have taken place.
The Storm possess the financial resources and available spots on their team to recruit him, following the departures of Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jonah Pezet, and Eli Katoa for different reasons after their second consecutive grand final defeat.
Munster didn't respond when questioned about the battle to obtain the rep star for 2026, as the experienced five-eighth humorously attempted to redirect attention towards his upcoming new pub on Caxton St.
"I was caught off guard by this question, but I'm quite disappointed you didn't inquire about my new bar in Brisbane. The establishment is doing well, thank you for asking," he said.
I'll let (Lomax) be decided by the coaching team and the owners. That's beyond my level. He's a valuable addition to the club if we secure him, but I believe there has been a lot of attention surrounding it.
We are quite at ease and assured about our current team. He might bring a positive aspect to it, but we aren't relying solely on him and aren't concerned about whether we acquire him or not.
It's not ideal media for us moving ahead, particularly at the beginning of the year when they are in round 1, but I'm excited for the season.
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