Melbourne Storm legend Cameron Smith says he’s excited to finally get the chance to say thank you to the club’s members and fans when AAMI Park’s eastern grandstand is named in his honour on Sunday.
The special event will take place as part of Old Boys’ Weekend just before kickoff against the Canberra Raiders.
Storm announced the grandstand news on Monday, with Smith to join good friend Billy Slater in having a stand in his name at the club’s home ground.
“I’m chuffed to be honest. I’m honoured,” Smith shared with Gerard Whateley on SEN on Wednesday morning.
I just think back to when I was a young boy and playing junior rugby league in Queensland and growing up in Logan...never, ever in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d have an opportunity to have a grandstand named after me.
Cameron Smith
Announcing his retirement from rugby league at the beginning of the 2021 NRL season, Smith’s farewell from the purple faithful was limited to messages shared on social media due to the ongoing pandemic.
A year-and-a-half in the making, this weekend’s Round 18 match presents the opportunity for fans to finally thank and send off their former skipper in person.
“I think I’m really excited to get down there, say ‘G’day’ to all the players, the coaches and the Melbourne Storm staff, but more importantly all the fans that supported me for so long throughout my career,” Smith said.
“I haven’t had the opportunity since I decided to finish up so that’s going to be a great weekend.”
