Abdo to 'chat' with Smith over referee comments

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said he will "have a chat to Cameron" but no formal action will be taken against the Storm captain for his comments to referee Gerrard Sutton in Sunday night's grand final.

The Storm captain was upset at the sin-binning of teammate Jahrome Hughes in the 71st minute of play suggesting Sutton wanted "an exciting finish" with his decision.

Abdo said he's certain if Smith had his time again he would choose his words more carefully.

But since the match review committee had not deemed the comments a form of contrary conduct then the NRL hierarchy would be taking no action either.

However, Abdo said that in due course he would be speaking to Storm as part of a season debrief and within that, he would have a personal conversation with Smith.

"I think Cameron could have been smarter with his choice of words but there's going to be no formal action taken by the match review committee and we'll respect that," Abdo said.

"At some point, I'll have a conversation with the Storm ... and have a chat to Cameron about that."

Abdo spoke on Tuesday as the NRL announced Ampol would be the major sponsor of the 2020 State of Origin series, while standing alongside players Greg Inglis and Tom Trbojevic.

The pair played against each other in the 2018 series before Inglis retired after 32 games, and plenty of success, for Queensland.

Trbojevic was set to be part of coach Brad Fittler's plans this year until he injured his right shoulder in the round 19 clash between the Sea Eagles and Titans.

Inglis, who played in three grand finals alongside Smith at Storm, plus countless Origins and Test matches, said people only saw the player-side of his former captain.

"Cam Smith is a remarkable human being," Inglis told pan66.com. "People don't see the Cam Smith away from the field and if they did maybe they wouldn't criticise so much.

"He's a loving and devoted father and he's opted to keep that part of his life private. His family means everything to him and his wife Barb has done a remarkable job in supporting him.

"I know Cam Smith couldn't do all he's done without Barb and his kids. He plays for them and if he decides to go on, then he can do that because he'll always have them backing him.

"On Sunday night he couldn't even touch or hold his kids after the win.

"He's won everything there is so that's not what drives him. He is just a really good footballer who loves his family and who wants to be the best he can," Inglis said.