Melbourne Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr has refused to rule out Cameron Smith’s shock return in 2021 despite the legendary hooker’s continued silence over his future plans.
Smith, who is not contracted to the Storm or any other NRL club for the 2021 campaign, is yet to publicly announce his intentions for the upcoming season.
The 2020 premiers will be back in action in the season-opener against South Sydney in just 41 days.
It appears all-but certain the veteran of 430 NRL games for the Storm, who has been loosely linked with the Gold Coast Titans, will isn’t planning to return for a record 20th season.
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But Addo-Carr, who is entering his final campaign in Melbourne after signing a four-year deal with Canterbury, warned pundits and fans not to rule out the 37-year-old just yet.
“I remember my first year he had a two-week pre-season, so he might come back two weeks before Round 1,” Addo-Carr said of Smith.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he plays on but as everyone knows he’s had a great career, the best to ever do it, and whatever he decides to do I’ll be happy for him.”
Pressed on whether he would welcome the captain back, Addo-Carr replied without hesitation: “100 percent (laughs). Like I said, he’s the best player to ever do it but whatever decision he makes I’ll be happy either way.”
Salary cap restrictions and the fact almost every NRL club has already locked in their 2021 squads makes it highly unlikely Smith will add to his legendary career this season.
Furthermore, the battle for the No.9 jersey is already complicated enough with 2020 NRL rookie of the year Harry Grant and New Zealand Test hooker Brandon Smith both desperate to fill the massive void left by Smith.
Brandon Smith last week approached Bellamy to express his strong desire to play hooker.
Grant, who played a starring role for Queensland in his Origin debut in November, caused a stir at the Wests Tigers’ awards night when he declared he would not return to Melbourne from his loan deal if Cameron Smith extended his Storm career.
“It’s an extremely difficult situation for both of them but there’s only one No.9 that can be on the field and I’m sure Belsa (Craig Bellamy) and the coaching staff are going to pick that player,” Addo-Carr said.
“They’re both extremely good players, I love playing alongside them.
“I think I’ve only played with Harry once or twice but I’ve had a couple of years with Brandon and he’s definitely one of the best players I’ve played with, so it’s going to be a very tough decision.”
