© Provided by The GuardianPhotograph: Darren England/AAP
Melbourne Storm great Cameron Smith has called time on his 19-year professional rugby league career after announcing his retirement on the eve of the new NRL season.
Smith, widely regarded as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen, spent his entire club career with the Storm, with who he won three premierships.
His future was the topic of much speculation around last year's grand final, although he refused to confirm or deny his retirement plans until the club issued a statement on Wednesday morning.
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"Cam is not only among the most decorated players the game has ever seen, he made an immeasurable contribution to our club on and off the field, and his legacy will be remembered in Melbourne forever," the club tweeted on Wednesday.
© Photograph: Darren England/AAPMelbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith played over 400 NRL games before announcing his retirement on Wednesday.
More to come.