Photo sends Smith signing speculation wild

Speculation is growing that Cameron Smith is set to sign with the Titans after a photo emerged today of the NRL legend with a fan on the Gold Coast.

The photo was preceded by News Corp sports journalist Travis Meyn reporting that Smith had been spotted kicking a footy at Firth Park on the Gold Coast.

Smith's contract with the Melbourne Storm expired at the end of last season but speculation about his future has swirled ever since, with the former Maroons and Kangaroos skipper yet to reveal if he's played his final game with the Storm, is set to continue at another club or is in retirement.

Numerous links had been made between Smith and the Titans even before today's photo had surfaced, as the champion hooker last year bought a house on the Gold Coast, enrolled his kids in school on the Glitter Strip and was this year spotted at a Titans under-19s trial in Coffs Harbour.

Adding further weight to Smith's ties to the Titans is that the club is understood to be the only one in the NRL with room under the salary cap to accommodate the dual Dally M medalist.

The latest piece of evidence is the photo with a fan, which today emerged on the Mudgeeraba Redbacks' Facebook page, captioned: "Our Junior Vice President bumped into the legend himself Cam Smith down at the web today. How brilliant is it to have this legend living in our city and just kicking the footy around on a beautiful sunny day."

ABC commentator Zane Bojack today tweeted: "Hearing very strong rumours that Cam Smith has signed with @GCTitans … however club denying this is the case. Very interested to see how this plays out."

The club added to the speculation by releasing a statement this afternoon informing media it was set to make an announcement, but it was a false alarm, with the Titans then announcing they had extended their commercial partnership with Cbus Super Stadium.

Smith has played a record 430 NRL games since debuting for Melbourne in 2002.

He won his third official NRL premiership with the club when the Storm toppled the Penrith Panthers in last year's grand final.

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