Veteran Smith vows he won't play for peanuts
Chris Wilson
Thursday, 13 July 2006
Canberra Raiders playmaker Jason Smith doesn't want to retire but says he won't "play for nothing" next year.
It remains a puzzle where Smith will play next season after Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald yesterday denied rumours the Eels wanted to sign the 34-year-old.
Smith has been linked with Souths, North Queensland, the Roosters and Parramatta since declaring he wanted to play on next year. It would be his eighteenth season of first grade.
Smith's manager Sam Ayoub added to the intrigue yesterday when he said he was talking with two more clubs. "Two of the clubs have expressed they don't want us to mention who they are because they're making some changes themselves," Ayoub said.
He said he was expecting a call as soon as the clubs "cleared their decks".
Smith said he would only play on if the right deal came along.
"I think there might have been a couple of clubs who thought I was desperate to play and they could give me next to nothing," Smith said. "I don't have to play but I feel I still can. But I'm not going to play for nothing."
Raiders coach Matt Elliott was heavily criticised for recruiting Smith in 2005, but the veteran has found new life at the Raiders after shaking off a chronic shoulder injury. The Raiders have already told Smith he is not in their plans for next year.
"Everyone says play as long as you can because retirement's forever," Smith said. "Most of the people I talk to and respect their opinion, they all gave the game away because their bodies gave way. My body's still fine and that's convinced me I'm not ready to retire." The Raiders have made offers to retain Alan Rothery (two years), Terry Martin (one year), and Terry Campese (one year). The Raiders have also filled one of their coaching positions for next season, promoting Sean Edwards to take over as strength and conditioning coach.
Chris Wilson
Thursday, 13 July 2006
Canberra Raiders playmaker Jason Smith doesn't want to retire but says he won't "play for nothing" next year.
It remains a puzzle where Smith will play next season after Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald yesterday denied rumours the Eels wanted to sign the 34-year-old.
Smith has been linked with Souths, North Queensland, the Roosters and Parramatta since declaring he wanted to play on next year. It would be his eighteenth season of first grade.
Smith's manager Sam Ayoub added to the intrigue yesterday when he said he was talking with two more clubs. "Two of the clubs have expressed they don't want us to mention who they are because they're making some changes themselves," Ayoub said.
He said he was expecting a call as soon as the clubs "cleared their decks".
Smith said he would only play on if the right deal came along.
"I think there might have been a couple of clubs who thought I was desperate to play and they could give me next to nothing," Smith said. "I don't have to play but I feel I still can. But I'm not going to play for nothing."
Raiders coach Matt Elliott was heavily criticised for recruiting Smith in 2005, but the veteran has found new life at the Raiders after shaking off a chronic shoulder injury. The Raiders have already told Smith he is not in their plans for next year.
"Everyone says play as long as you can because retirement's forever," Smith said. "Most of the people I talk to and respect their opinion, they all gave the game away because their bodies gave way. My body's still fine and that's convinced me I'm not ready to retire." The Raiders have made offers to retain Alan Rothery (two years), Terry Martin (one year), and Terry Campese (one year). The Raiders have also filled one of their coaching positions for next season, promoting Sean Edwards to take over as strength and conditioning coach.
