Retired Queensland great Cameron Smith refuses to rule out Origin comeback

Legendary former Queensland captain Cameron Smith has refused to shut the door on a potential State of Origin comeback.

Speaking on Nine’s coverage of Game 1, Smith responded to questions of a future comeback from former Blues captain Paul Gallen.

“McCulloch gets hurt, Kevvie sends an SOS, what are the chances,” Gallen said.

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The Melbourne Storm veteran’s reply was one that is sure to raise the eyebrows of Maroons fans.

“Look, you never say never,” Smith replied.

Smith, who has a record 42 Origin appearances, announced his shock retirement from State of Origin football hoping that the lesser load will allow him to extend his NRL career.

“I’m hopeful it does [extend his career]. It doesn’t guarantee me any sort of extra seasons in the NRL but I would like to think it will give me an opportunity to stay on a bit longer,” he said.

“Having an opportunity now, in the middle of the season, to have a couple of breaks with byes and whatnot, there is going to be no more tours for me at the end of the year.”

Smith’s announcement, along with the representative retirements of Cowboys veteran Johnathan Thurston and Roosters star Cooper Cronk left the Maroons missing a chunk of Origin experience, and that was before Storm star Billy Slater was ruled out of Game 1 with a hamstring injury.

Slater’s injury meant that the Game 1 Queensland side was the first side with no Smith, Thurston, Cronk or Slater since Game 2 of the 2003 Origin series.