Cameron Smith insists he will be a Melbourne player next year and dismissed the idea of leaving the Storm before the end of his current deal, but remained coy on his future.
The Kangaroos’ and Queensland captain has been linked with a move to his hometown of Brisbane and will become the most sought-after player in the NRL next season when his contract expires at the end of 2014.
Smith has three young children and has stated in the past the lure of a return to Brisbane to be closer to his and his wife’s family could determine his future with the Storm – with whom he debuted in 2002.
However, the 30-year-old said his only focus for the remainder of the year is reclaiming the Rugby League World Cup for Australia in the UK and Ireland.
Smith and the squad will fly to London on Monday and head into camp in Manchester for 10 days before the opening game of the tournament in Cardiff against England.
“For me, my future is the World Cup and making sure I prepare the best I can for the first game for Australia,” Smith said.
“When there’s a decision to be made, I will sure you guys (the media) are the first to know.
“There is no option for me not to be at the Storm and I will be playing there next year. That’s my club, I have been there since I was a kid and I will be there next year.
“I am not thinking about Brisbane or any other club at all. I am focused on the next eight weeks and doing the best for our country.”
Smith expressed his sympathy for Melbourne teammate Tohu Harris whose joy at being named in the New Zealand squad was shortlived after he was dumped in favour of Sonny Bill Williams after the Sydney Roosters’ star decided he wanted to play in the World Cup after all.
But the hooker, who was part of the Kangaroos’ side that lost the 2008 final in Brisbane to the Kiwis in 2008, said the move is a proof of intent from coach Steve Kearney.
“I think it’s great that Sonny is playing in the World Cup. There’s been a bit of talk about his selection but, as far as we’re concerned, we just have to worry about ourselves.
“I feel disappointed for Tohu on being withdrawn from their squad.
“He’s going to be extremely disappointed. He’s had a terrific season for us at Melbourne.
“He played for a few minutes in the Test at Canberra and he did well. But he is a young guy and will bounce back.
“But the New Zealand selectors have made their decision and it has nothing to do with us.
“But I completely understand their decision, he is a terrific player and it shows how badly they want to win this tournament.”
