It’s official – the NRL’s all-time games record holder, Cameron Smith, will be back for a 19th season with Melbourne Storm in 2020.
The 36-year-old Storm captain will resume training with his teammates in the first week of January ahead of the start of the NRL season in March.
Smith became the first NRL player to reach the 400 game milestone during the 2019 season and will start the new campaign with 411 games on his distinguished record.
“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 said today.
“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 made his NRL debut in the 2002 season and played in all 27 games for Melbourne in 2019, finishing runner-up in the Dally M Medal.
Such has been his durability, he has made at least 20 NRL appearances in each season since his debut year, as well as playing 56 games for Australia and 42 State of Origin games for Queensland.
