Melbourne Storm players will wear black arm bands in Saturday’s clash against the Dragons following the death of Cameron Smith’s mother.
The club released a short statement confirming the passing of Sonia Smith earlier this week.
“Melbourne Storm players and staff will wear black arm bands during their match against the Dragons this afternoon following the passing of Cameron Smith’s mother earlier this week,” they said.
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“Sonia will be missed by the entire Storm family and will be remembered for her unwavering support of Cameron and our club.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Cameron, Barb and the entire family at this time.”
There was no news of a cause of death.
Smith played an NRL record 430 games, all with the Storm, and appears a certainty to be elevated to Immortal status, which could come later this month after a change in rules.
The NRL recently outlined plans to add a 14th Immortal in August, as part of an expanded hall of fame that would be added to each year.
Previously, players had to be retired for at least five seasons to be considered for rugby league immortality.
However, revised rules announced have reduced that time out of the game to three seasons.
As part of the process, the NRL will announce 11 new men’s players, six women’s players, two coaches, two referees and four contributors to the hall of fame.
Any member of the hall of fame, which currently sits at 110 players, will then be eligible to achieve Immortal status at a ceremony on August 21.
Smith has been retired from rugby league for three and a half years, having played his last game for Melbourne in the 2020 grand final.
– With AAP