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.
Feeling refreshed and excited about season 2020. @storm
Contrary to reports...... switching to halfback wonโt be happening. #sillyseason pic.twitter.com/za1ECW8s0o
— Cameron Smith (@camsmith9) November 21, 2019
โIโve had a good break after another pretty big season in 2019. Iโve had time to relax and put my feet up and Iโm feeling pretty fresh now,โ Smith told the club's website.
โIโm looking forward to next year.
โIโve been given some โlong serviceโ leave (from training) as I had last year as well so I wonโt be back until the New Year.
โThat seemed to work really well last year. It gives me plenty of time to freshen up and get ready for another gruelling season.
โIโm excited to see the squad improve on last yearโฆ.and seeing the younger guys go to another level again in 2020.โ
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.
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.
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.
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.