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Cameron Smith says no to Origin return

It’s a no from Smith.

Published by
Ben Cotton

Queensland great Cameron Smith has put a line through an Origin return amid recent talks that he should come out of retirement.

The 35-year old has been in sensational form over the first seven rounds of the season, sitting second in the Dally M voting behind teammate Cameron Munster.

And while there have been calls for Smith to fill the leadership void at the Maroons following injuries to Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Friend, he has no intention of returning to the representative stage.

“My thoughts on Origin now haven’t changed from the day I decided to finish up,” Smith told The Daily Telegraph.

“I was fortunate to have my time at that level. Now it’s time for the younger Queenslanders to take that jersey and represent our great state and do what they do best.

“Create a bit of history for themselves and their own story. I’m not too sure how this has got any momentum at all to be fair. It’s just come out of no where. I’ve got no intention at all to be available for Origin.

“I’m finished in that space of my career. I really enjoyed my time there. Unfortunately things come to an end. My time as an Origin player is now finished.”

Storm coach Craig Bellamy has given Smith his "blessing" to play Origin, however, the star hooker has admitted to not having the same desire to represent Queensland as he once did.

“If I was back there I would still enjoy it,” Smith said.

“I remember talking about the reasons why I finished up. That was because I just don’t feel like I can (fulfil) the extra commitments on top of my club and family commitments. It’s just something I’m willing to do now.

“My love and passion for Queensland and the Maroons team will never change. That will always be there but my desire to play and be part of it is not there anymore.”

Published by
Ben Cotton