3 minute read

A meeting between Cameron Smith and Melbourne bosses over his NRL playing future has been delayed by bad weather in Queensland.

Bad weather in Queensland has forced Melbourne chairman Matt Tripp to indefinitely postpone a meeting with Cameron Smith about the NRL great's playing future.

Tripp had planned to fly to Queensland over the weekend to discuss plans for next year with the off-contract Storm captain, until his flights were cancelled at the last minute.

It has thrown another spanner in the works for the Storm, who are yet to hear from Smith about his plans for 2021 - be they to play on in Melbourne, continue elsewhere or retire.

"Queensland is under water, so I didn't go up," Tripp told AAP on Tuesday.

"I was all set to go but flights got cancelled and all sorts of things.

"It's messed us up a bit.

"I'll get there eventually but at this time of year with Christmas it's a bit tricky."

Tripp is due to go on holidays with his family, which means the meeting with Smith could be delayed until after Christmas.

It will likely force a further delay on Smith's announcement of his decision, although Tripp said he is in no rush to speak to the 37-year-old and there is 'not necessarily' a deadline for a resolution.

"I'm comfortable and Cam is comfortable so we'll deal with it in due course," he said.

"Neither party is rushing, we're happy in terms of timing.

"We're in a good space and we'll sort it out whenever I can get back up there."

Smith is on the Gold Coast with his family and is expected to call time on his 430-game NRL career, although he has been linked to the Titans.

The majority of Melbourne's squad is due to front for pre-season training on January 4 with the exception of State of Origin representatives.

With Smith out of contract as of November 1, the Storm are planning as though he will not be at the club next season - at least in a playing capacity.

Should Smith announce his retirement the biggest consideration will be his off-field position with Melbourne, but there is no doubt he will be in hot demand from rivals NRL clubs and other football codes.