https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...a/news-story/21b3306a317e2015165b7117b3568e87
CAMERON Smith got the hint in the middle of the 2017 season that his days playing representative football were coming to an end.
Explaining his shock decision to retire from representative football today, the Queensland champion revealed how much of a toll last year’s Origin series and World Cup had taken on his body and his mind, saying that it “wouldn’t be fair” to put himself and his family through it again.
“Last year more than any other year the Origin series had an affect on me physically and mentally,” Smith said.
“I wasn’t able to back up (and play for the Storm in the following days) last year, maybe that was a sign right then that it was time for me to end my representative career.
“I don’t think that’s fair on myself, my family or my teammates at the Melbourne Storm to put myself through that again.
“This year and right now it’s the right time for me to finish up.”
Smith said the decision to hang up the maroon and the green and gold was an agonising one, which is why the timing of the announcement is just weeks out from the series opener.
“It’s been a fairly lengthy process for me to come to this decision. I started having small thoughts or some thoughts about finishing my rep career last year,” Smith confirmed.
Smith said time spent away from his family was also a key factor in his decision.
Having played 42 Origins and 56 Tests, Smith has spent a lot of time away from his wife Barbara and their children and with his eldest daughter approaching some important milestones he decided the time was right.
More to follow...
