Frustrated Smith remains tight-lipped on his future

After the disappointment of losing the grand final 21-6 to the Sydney Roosters, Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith was in no mood to field questions about his playing future.

Smith has been repeatedly questioned over his plans for 2019 throughout the Telstra Premiership finals series and is expected to decide next month. The Storm veteran is just 16 games away from a record 400 NRL games.

The 35-year-old offered an emotional tribute to Billy Slater in the post-match press conference before reflecting on his own year and what the future holds.

"For me it's not a time or moment to think about my playing situation next year," Smith said.

"I'm obviously disappointed with the result tonight and as an older player I'd like to sit back and reflect on this season and what we have been able to achieve.

"[But] two things that have crossed my mind is either play at Melbourne or I finish."

Smith announced his representative retirement two weeks before the start of the 2018 State of Origin series, shocking the rugby league public.

He was also embroiled in an array of questions surrounding his relationship with former teammate Cooper Cronk, who finished the year on top with back-to-back titles at separate clubs.

Smith expressed his desire to take a break with his family before negotiating an extension with the club.

"It's been a difficult year, no doubt about that," Smith said.

"We've had to overcome a lot of challenges this year through various things but when you look back those challenges and what we have overcome, it's a special effort to get to where we are tonight.

"That's really all I'm thinking about. I'm going to take a bit of time to put my feet up and enjoy the next few weeks with my family and hopefully something is sorted out soon."

Storm coach Craig Bellamy has dealt with losing Cronk this season, but he wasn't as keen to leave both Slater and Smith for next season.

"I don't think Cameron or myself need to have a conversation about that, he knows what I think of him and knows I want him to go on," he said.

"He's knows he's such an important part of our club and has still got plenty in him as a player.

"It will be up to the hierarchy to sort that out."

Despite the result, Bellamy even offered a cheeky sledge at the Storm hooker.

"I reckon there's a fair chance he can play with his son, who's 10 or 11," he said, bringing a wry smile from Smith.

"I've never seen a dip in Cameron's form. There's no secret why he's going to be the first player to play 400 games in our code."