Mat Rogers has questioned if Cameron Smith joining the Broncos is a pathway to him taking over from Craig Bellamy as the Storm coach in the future.

The legend of an NRL record 433 matches for the Storm sent shockwaves through the game when he joined the Broncos as an assistant under Michael Maguire in 2026.

However, Rogers said on SEN radio, that he believes it could be a short term arrangement with the end goal of being Bellamy’s successor at the Storm.

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“I was really shocked to be honest, it’s a great get for the Broncos but I’m shocked Melbourne don’t have him working for them,” Rogers said on SEN Radio.

“I like the fact Cam is back in the game at the highest level but I’m reading it like Madge and Bellyache are good mates, Madge worked for Bellyache.

“Cam lives here, is he working for the Broncos to prepare himself to take over as the head coach of the Melbourne Storm?

“I think Melbourne need someone internal, someone that has been there and that understands the system. Bellyache has been there 20 years, he has set a standard.

“Maybe I am wrong, but I think that could be it. He would be a great head coach. He is so controlled, he was never flustered.”

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Could Cameron Smith replace Craig Bellamy.Source: Getty Images

While Smith’s role with the Broncos is unclear, he worked with the players at a recent training camp in Toowoomba and he would be the ideal man to teach the next wave of Broncos hookers coming through the ranks.

It is expected Smith will be working with the Broncos’ emerging talent and his wealth of experience in the NRL would be ideal to youngsters learning their trade as professional sportsmen.

Maguire was full of praise for the impact that Smith has had on the players so far and looked forward to what he can bring to the Broncos in the future.

Michael Maguire has praised Cameron Smith’s influence.Source: Supplied

“I won’t lie – I did do a double take when I saw him in the gear,” Maguire told SEN radio.

“But it’s great to have someone of his stature and all his experience.

“He will work with our leaders, me and the coaching staff and he chimes in where he can. He talks to the players about their game, but it’s a broad role, we’re not painting him into one specific area because of the nature of the way he gets around people.”

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Pezet backs one year Eels deal | 01:36

MUNSTER DROPS HINT ON PLAYING FUTURE

Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster has dropped a major hint on when he plans to retire as he nears the final stages of his playing career.

Recently turning down the Perth Bears to remain in Melbourne until at least the end of the 2027 season, the Queensland Maroons skipper is still one of the NRL’s best playmakers.

However, he has revealed that he may only have “two or three” years left in the tank as he turns 32 years of age later this year.

Likely to hang up the boots at the end of his current deal, he would need to sign another contract if he decides to play beyond that.

“I’m 32 this year,” Munster said on The Today Show.

“Hopefully two or three more years (left in my body).”

“I don’t wanna be playing until 36 and getting wheeled out. You may as well leave when you can and retire on your own terms.

Cameron Munster has dropped a hint on retirement.Source: News Corp Australia

“A lot of athletes have had the chance of not being able to do that because of injuries. I want to be able to retire on my own terms – two or three years is probably realistic.”

Aiming to return to the Grand Final for the third consecutive season, the Storm will need to rely heavily on the younger member of their squad as they will be without start trio Eli Katoa, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Ryan Papenhuyzen.

“Losing Paps [Ryan Papenhuyzen] and Nelson [Asofa-Solomona] and then it’s unfortunate with Eli’s [Katoa] condition, we’ve lost a little bit of experience there,” Munster added.

“These young boys that are coming through has been pretty special … there’s some hungry blokes in our squad pushing for spots. I think the future is bright in Melbourne.”

‘Only question is where Sharpe fits in’ | 06:14