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Smith open to playing into 2021 NRL season

Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith hasn't ruled out playing next year and even beyond as far ahead as 2021.

The Storm captain, who is off contract at the end of the year, confirmed on Sunday that he hasn't begun discussions with club management about his future yet.

He also doesn't have any interest in replacing Craig Bellamy as coach - Storm recruitment manager Frank Ponissi told Triple M on Sunday the veteran mentor was set to re-sign in the next couple of weeks.

Smith, who is in his 16th season in the NRL and extended his all-time record another notch when he played his 364th game on Friday in the road win over Brisbane, also didn't rule out a two or three-year deal as a player as he ponders life after football with his young family.

"I haven't spoken to the club at all about next year," he said.

"My focus was about getting into this year and trying to help the team start the year well.

"Once the club are in a position to talk to me about next year, or a couple of years, or three years - whatever they're thinking - I'm happy to sit down and talk to them about it.

Match Highlights: Broncos v Storm - Round 7, 2018

"Whether that's to play or not to play - I'm not too sure at the moment."

The 34-year-old rake didn't see himself playing on if he wasn't contributing to the team, and likewise isn't keen on a coaching role.

"I don't really see my future in the coaching ranks," he said.

"I don't have any desire to do that at all. I think for me, it's about if I'm still playing at my very best, I'd be still happy to play."

The Maroons and Kangaroos captain has endured a challenging start to the year, with the Storm slumping to a 2-3 record and Smith getting sin-binned for the first time in his career.

After bouncing back with a 34-20 win against the Broncos on Friday, the Storm back up on Wednesday for an Anzac Day showdown wth the red-hot Warriors who are 6-1 and co-leading the competition.

"The Warriors are playing fantastic - they're co-leaders of the competition - and look like they're enjoying their football, and playing some pretty good football as well," he said.

"This will be a good test for us. We played quite good in the last fortnight and want to make sure we're still trying to improve in the coming games."

Prop Jesse Bromwich is expected to miss four weeks, potentially as many as six, after suffering a medial tear on Friday night, while lock Dale Finucane will not be making a comeback this week from his thumb injury.

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