Melbourne Storm and Queensland legend Cameron Smith has officially signed with the Brisbane Broncos having joined the club in a coaching mentorship role. Smith played 430 NRL games for the Melbourne Storm, while leading his state during a stellar State of Origin career.
And in a huge win for the NRL premiers, Smith has joined Michael Maguire’s coaching team ahead of the World Club Challenge, first reported by The Courier Mail. Maguire reportedly was keen to bring Smith into the fold last November after his side defeated the Melbourne Storm in the NRL grand final.
Cameron Smith (pictured middle right) has officially signed with the Brisbane Broncos in a mentorship role. (Images: Getty Images)
And after missing out on a Kangaroos role, Smith bided his time. And Maguire confirmed Smith has joined the Broncos camp ahead of their World Club Challenge game against Hull KR this month.
Smith has already addressed the players and will help the leadership group and the players in a coaching capacity. This is a huge win for the Broncos with Smith still an integral figure in the NRL world.
The legendary No.9 will also be able to help out Ben Hunt and Billy Walters in their dummy-half roles in 2026. “It’s great to have him around to help our leadership group and our younger players and hookers,” Maguire told the publication.
“It’s incredible to have Cam Smith part of the Broncos … we are very fortunate to have someone of his stature around the place.” Maguire said the Storm legend won’t be travelling to England with the side, but will be in contact throughout the campaign.
Cameron Smith (pictured) has joined the Broncos in a coaching role ahead of the 2026 NRL season.
(Brendon Thorne via Getty Images)Cameron Smith misses out on Kangaroos role
There were talks Smith would be involved with the Kangaroos at the end of last year. Smith was believed to be in the running for the head coaching role. Although Kevin Walters got the nod. And Walters later revealed Smith wouldn’t be part of his coaching staff when the Kangaroos travelled to England for Ashes tour, with the NRL legend choosing to prioritise family and his media commitments instead.
Brisbane Broncos cop blow ahead of WCC
Unfortunately, Maguire is currently working out who will play second-row for the Broncos in the World Club Challenge after forward Brendan Piakura underwent surgery for a knee injury. The 23-year-old played a crucial role in teh side’s NRL grand final win.
But an injury during training means he is now recovering ahead of the 2026 season. Jack Gosiewski or Jaiyden Hunt are now the frontrunners to fill the hole. Although neither were in the 17 for NRL grand final last year.