World Fitness Blog : Leading Global Bloggers

A photo of the 15-year-old ballkid went viral because of the expression on her face after Naomi Osaka beat Jennifer Brady in straight sets to claim her fourth grand slam title — and second crown at Melbourne Park.

The snap, captured by Getty Images’ Quinn Rooney, was noticed by plenty of fans but it wasn’t until later in the week Osaka herself caught up on why it was doing the rounds on social media.

“Was looking at pics from AO and I just noticed the ball girl in this … hi,” Osaka posted to Twitter with a love heart and waving emoji.

Watch over 40 live ATP Tour tournaments, 40 live WTA Tour tournaments, and every ATP + WTA Finals match live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Marle wasn’t even supposed to be a ballkid this year, but as fate would have it, something changed.

She would normally have been one year too old to be a ballkid, meaning 2020 should have been her last appearance at the Australian Open, but because of COVID-19, restrictions changed and she was given another gig.

“They weren’t able to train any new ballkids because of COVID so they got some of the older kids back and I was one of them, so I got another chance,” she told the Herald Sun.

Speaking on ABC Breakfast on Friday, Marle said even with the unexpected opportunity she wasn’t sure if she would accept, but decided at the death to go around again doing something she really enjoys.

“I wasn’t going to do it because of school but last-minute I decided to do it,” she said. “I couldn’t pass it up. I decided to do it and it led to this (Osaka photo).”

Marle said during the match she was silently cheering for Osaka, but being the professional she is, would have looked just as pleased had Brady won the final to clinch her maiden grand title.

The youngster only found out about Osaka’s tweet, which has since amassed more than 74,000 likes, when her mum sent her a link while she was at school, giving her even more street cred among her friends.

Meanwhile, Osaka took to social again on Friday, this time to show off a bold new look that featured straight, bright pink hair and pink eye shadow — a far cry from her usual brown, curly locks she pulls back into a ponytail when she’s on the court.

There’s a possibility the world No. 2 was testing out a wig just to see what going pink for a day would feel like, but it looks pretty legitimate to us as a dye job.

Osaka referenced Japanese Manga character Sakura in her post and Olympic sprinting legend Usain Bolt was a fan, commenting on Instagram: “U wore it better @naomiosaka lol.”

Osaka thumped Brady 6-4 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena last Saturday night before her victory speech drew attention because of an awkward, unintentional blooper.

After asking Brady whether she preferred to be called Jennifer or Jenny, the American answered “Jenny”. However, Osaka turned back to the microphone and opened with: “Firstly, I want to congratulate Jennifer.”

The accidental one-liner made the internet crack up but while the snub may have added insult to injury, the four-time major winner was horrified to learn she’d completely ignored Brady’s direction.

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Osaka wrote “OMG no” with crying and sad emojis. “I promise you my mind thought I called her Jenny in that moment and I was so confused why the crowd was laughing. I’m so sorry,” she said.

The Japanese tennis star is still celebrating her win over Jennifer Brady on the weekend to claim a second Australian Open crown — and fourth grand slam title overall — and has decided to get a little creative with her locks.

Osaka took to social media on Friday to show off a bold new look that featured straight, bright pink hair and pink eye shadow — a far cry from her usual brown, curly locks she pulls back into a ponytail when she’s on the court.

There’s a possibility the world No. 2 was testing out a wig just to see what going pink for a day would feel like, but it looks pretty legitimate to us as a dye job.

Osaka referenced Japanese Manga character Sakura in her post and Olympic sprinting legend Usain Bolt was a fan, commenting on Instagram: “U wore it better @naomiosaka lol.”

Late on Thursday Osaka was tweeting when she noticed a cool detail about a photo from her Australian Open triumph that went viral in the aftermath of her straight sets victory.

With her arms raised, Australian ballkid Marle van der Merwe looked on in admiration, the expression on the teenager’s face saying all you needed to know about her feelings for Osaka.

“Was looking at pics from AO and I just noticed the ball girl in this … hi,” Osaka posted to Twitter with a love heart and waving emoji, in response to the snap taken by Getty Images’ Quinn Rooney.

Osaka thumped Brady 6-4 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday night before her victory speech drew attention because of an awkward, unintentional blooper.

After asking Brady whether she preferred to be called Jennifer or Jenny, the American answered “Jenny”. However, Osaka turned back to the microphone and opened with: “Firstly, I want to congratulate Jennifer.”

The accidental one-liner made the internet crack up but while the snub may have added insult to injury, the four-time major winner was horrified to learn she’d completely ignored Brady’s direction.

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Osaka wrote “OMG no” with crying and sad emojis. “I promise you my mind thought I called her Jenny in that moment and I was so confused why the crowd was laughing. I’m so sorry,” she said.

During her post-match press conference, Osaka promised not to be weighed down by “pressure and expectation” after her latest victory sparked talk she could end up winning 10 grand slams.

Osaka became only the third player after Monica Seles and Roger Federer to win their first four major finals, and has risen to second in the world rankings.

The 23-year-old sensation is now seen as the dominant force in women’s tennis, a view shared by seven-time slam winner Mats Wilander, who believes Osaka can win 10 grand slams.

“I’m taking it in sections. For right now, I’m trying to go for five,” Osaka said, when asked about Wilander’s comment.

“After five I would think about maybe dividing the 10, so maybe seven or eight.

“I don’t like to take things big-picture. For me, I like to live in the moment.

“It’s an honour that he said that. But I don’t want to weigh myself down with pressure and expectations.”

The tourists were bowled out for 112 after electing to bat first at the world’s biggest stadium in Ahmedabad with Indian spinner Axar Patel taking six wickets. India ended the day on 3/99.

But there were two calls by TV umpire Chettithody Shamshuddin that left England fuming and Root had a long conversation with the on-field umpire on both occasions.

Watch every test, T20 & ODI of England’s Tour of India Live & Ad-Break Free During Play with Fox Sports on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >

Root was overheard on the stump microphones telling the on-field officials “all we want is consistency”.

“The England captain and head coach (Chris Silverwood) spoke with the match referee (India’s Javagal Srinath) after play,” said an England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman.

“The captain and head coach acknowledged the challenges the umpires faced and asked respectfully that in making any decisions there was consistency in the process. The match referee said the captain was asking the right questions of the umpires.”

Shubman Gill survived after Ben Stokes took his catch at second slip which the TV umpire turned down quickly with replays suggesting the ball had been grassed. Much of the uproar over this decision was the perception the third umpire only looked at one replay before quickly making the final decision, after the on-field umpire gave a soft signal of “out”.

Later in the day Rohit Sharma’s stumping was adjudged not out after the batsman’s back foot was in the air in one frame and grounded in another when wicketkeeper Ben Foakes took off the bails.

He was on 53 and remained unbeaten on 57 at stumps.

Zak Crawley, who top-scored for England with 53, said the decisions left them frustrated.

“It’s very frustrating. We’re behind the game and we need those little 50-50s to go our way. It seemed like none of them went our way today,” he said.

“When we batted Jack (Leach) had one where it didn’t quite carry and it seemed like they looked at it from five or six different angles. When we were fielding it seemed like they looked at it from one angle. That’s where the frustrations lie.”

England won the first of the four Tests convincingly only to lose the next with India levelling the series at 1-1.

Patel linked up with Ravichandran Ashwin, who took three wickets, while fast bowler Ishant Sharma, playing his 100th Test, claimed one.

Root (17), Foakes (12) and Jofra Archer (11) were the only others to get into double figures apart from Crawley, who returned to the top of the order after recovering from a wrist injury.

Johnny Bairstow was also back in the team at No. 3 but fell for a duck after opting for a horrible review when given out LBW to Patel. He indicated the ball was sliding down the leg side but replays showed it clattering into the stumps.

Crawley said England’s batsmen had let down their bowlers.

“I don’t think it will require a miracle actually,” he added, however, on the prospects of an England fightback.

“Things will have to go our way, we are going to have to play extremely well but we are very capable.”

Crawley predicted that the pitch will continue to break up which could help England’s bowlers.

“If we bat well in the third innings and put a bit of pressure on them we can defend anything if the pitch continues to get worse,” he said.

England hit back with two wickets after Jofra Archer sent back Gill for 11 and Cheteshwar Pujara fell for a duck off Leach. But Sharma stood firm for his 12th Test fifty and put on 64 runs with Virat Kohli, delighting the crowd at India’s revamped venue with a capacity of 110,000 fans.

Kohli was bowled by spinner Jack Leach for 27 late in the day.

With AFP

The golf superstar, 45, was driving alone when he rolled his vehicle around 7am local time and had to be extricated from his car with the jaws of life.

The LA Sherriff’s Department confirmed it had responded to a single vehicle rollover on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Ranchos Palos Verdes.

Woods’ vehicle was travelling northbound on Hawthorne Boulevard, at Blackhorse Road, when it crashed.

“The vehicle sustained major damage,” the LASD said in a statement.

“Mr. Woods was extricated from the wreck with the ‘jaws of life’ by Los Angeles County firefighters and paramedics, then transported to a local hospital by ambulance for his injuries.”

AGENT REVEALS ‘MULTIPLE INJURIES’

Woods’ agent Mark Steinberg released a short statement confirming Woods had “suffered multiple leg injuries.

“He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support,” Steinberg said.

ESPN’s Michael Eaves reported Woods injuries were not considered life-threatening.

“Local police source said the initial report from the scene of the accident indicated the possibility of multiple leg fractures,” he tweeted.

A local news helicopter flew over the scene of the accident and showed a car on its side with the front end heavily damaged. The wreckage appeared to be just off the side of a road on a hillside and air bags appeared to be deployed.

Audio of emergency service workers co-ordinating their response was obtained by TMZ and one could be heard saying: “We have a rollover with someone trapped.”

TRUMP REACTS, FRIEND NEAR TEARS

Woods, who has two children, Charlie and Sam, was in LA for the US PGA Genesis Invitational, where he serves as tournament host.

Former US president Donald Trump led a host of wellwishers, saying: “Get well soon, Tiger. You are a true champion.”

Golf professional Justin Thomas fought to hold back tears as he reacted to the incident during a press conference.

“I’m sick to my stomach. It hurts to see one of my closest friends get in an accident,” Thomas said. “I just hope he’s alright. Just worried for his kids, you know. I’m sure they’re struggling.”

Ian Poulter tweeted: “Wishing a speedy recovery and I hope the injuries are not bad.”

The PGA Tour also released a statement saying: “Tiger is in our prayers and will have our full support as he recovers.”

THIRD INVOLVEMENT IN CAR ACCIDENT

The 82-time tournament winner has endured a chequered history off the course after becoming the most dominant golfer in history in the early 2000s.

He was exposed for having an extramarital affair in 2009 and was divorced by Elin Nordegren, his wife of six years.

Woods famously crashed his Cadillac Escalade into a tree outside his home at 2.30am and was treated for minor facial lacerations when the scandal broke.

In 2017 he was arrested near his Florida home for driving under the influence of drugs. He was found asleep in his car stationary in a traffic lane with the engine running.

Woods later stated he had taken prescription drugs and did not realise how they would interact together. He later pled guilty to a charge of reckless driving and completed a DUI offender program and 50 hours of community service.

RECENT BACK SURGERY

On Tuesday, Woods made his first public comments since undergoing his fifth back surgery, which had left the 15-time major champion uncertain if he would be able to play at this year’s Masters.

“I’m feeling fine. I’m a little stiff,” Woods said. “I have one more MRI scheduled so we’ll see if the annulus is scarred over finally and then I can start doing more activities.

“Still in the gym, still doing the mundane stuff that you have to do for rehab, the little things where I can start gravitating toward something more.”

But given his age and this latest incident, Woods’ future in the sport is now firmly in doubt.

— with AFP

Andrei Nazarov, who coached Panarin at Vityaz and is currently the head coach of the KHL’s Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, has repeatedly criticised Panarin for the forward’s outspoken beliefs regarding Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s regime. Nazarov is a known Putin supporter.

“Artemi vehemently and unequivocally denies any and all allegations in this fabricated story,” the Rangers said in a statement. “This is clearly an intimidation tactic being used against him for being outspoken on recent political events. Artemi is obviously shaken and concerned and will take some time away from the team. The Rangers fully support Artemi and will work with him to identify the source of these unfounded allegations.”

In the ALhockey.ru article published Tuesday, and translated by The New York Post, Nazarov puts forth a detailed account from December 11, 2011.

The former Russian hockey player alleges that after Vityaz lost to Dynamo 2-0, in which Panarin didn’t have a great game, a then-19-year-old Panarin and other teammates were out at a hotel bar in Riga, Latvia when he “sent the 18-year-old citizen of Latvia to the floor with several powerful blows”.

Nazarov claims Panarin was detained by the police before there was an eventual criminal case and a trial. But Nazarov alleges that there was a bribe of 40,000 euros in cash to let Panarin off the hook.

Panarin’s grandparents still reside in Russia, as well as a few other family members.

The 29-year-old Korkino, Russia native has openly – and strongly – opposed Putin in the last few years. As recently as last month, Panarin showed his support for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in an Instagram post ahead of planned protests in Russia.

Panarin posted a photo of Navalny, a high-profile critic of Putin, and his wife and two children, with a caption that translated to: “Freedom for Navalny.” The post is still up on his page.

Navalny had recently put out a message on his YouTube account to his supporters: “Don’t be afraid. Take to the streets. Don’t do it for me, do it for yourselves and your future.”

In July 2019, Panarin sat down for an interview with the Vsemu Golovin YouTube channel and eviscerated Putin. It was a bombshell interview in which the 2020 Hart trophy finalist – barefoot in his living room in Saint Petersburg – criticised Putin’s entire regime.

Panarin discussed Russian politics, economy, freedom of speech and drew several unflattering comparisons of his homeland to the United States. He was also questioned why he used to be supportive of Putin in the past.

“Because I was never really interested in politics. Never read the news,” a translation from SlavaDoesAmerica.com reads. “I was thoroughly focused on hockey and my progress … Besides, it’s not like I crossed the [American] border and got enlightened right away.

“It took me something like two years before I thought, ‘Something is wrong [in Russia].’ I began feeling, with time, that at the end of summer I started to want to get back [to America].”

Panarin’s public opposition of Putin is extremely notable considering how rare an occurrence it is for Russian athletes. North American athletes, like LeBron James, Megan Rapinoe and countless others, have engaged in political conversation for years. Russian athletes are expected to show nothing but loyalty to their country, making Panarin’s stance all the more earth-shattering.

For comparison, fellow NHL star Alex Ovechkin had founded an entire political movement called “Putin Team” and sold Putin-themed merchandise leading up to the 2018 presidential election. Other Russian-born players such as Evgeni Malkin, Semyon Varlamov and Ilya Kovalchuk have expressed support of Putin himself or his politics.

The Blackhawks’ Nikita Zadorov has mildly shown support for Panarin, once commenting on Panarin’s Instagram account with a “thumbs up” and “fist” emojis. Panarin and Zadorov previously criticised a Russian law that sought to give the government greater control of the internet, which prompted the Russian Embassy in the United States to issue an open letter to both NHLers.

— New York Post

Medvedev was utterly outclassed by the Serbian maestro at Rod Laver Arena, going down in straight sets 7-5 6-2 6-2.

But riding the emotional rollercoaster along with Medvedev was his wife, Daria.

The broadcast’s cameras repeatedly panned towards the world No. 4’s wife, who was seated in the player’s box with a mask.

Although half of her face was covered, Daria’s eyes were enough proof of how anxious she was throughout the contest.

She even shot her husband a vicious glare after a particularly ugly outburst on the court.

Despite the defeat, Medvedev took the time to thank his wife and coach in the post-match ceremony.

“Not the best day today,” he said. “Probably good three last months after some tough circumstances.

“Thank you guys for being with me in Australia for a long time. Hopefully we’re going to hold a grand slam soon.”

Medvedev is very coy about his private life, but he met Daria back in 2014.

Daria hails from Russia’s capital, Moscow, and the pair tied the knot before he played in the Davis Cup for Russia back in September 2018.

Daria also used to play tennis herself, but ultimately failed to make it as a professional because of injuries.

“She played tennis until she was 17 or 18, but because of injuries she couldn’t reach the desired level,” Daniil has previously said.

“Nevertheless, it’s great that she understands tennis. She knows that we can’t go shopping before the game. Understands that I can be busy from 8am until the evening.

“Perhaps it’s not easy to get used to it when you don’t understand anything in tennis. It helped me to become better as a person and a player.”

READ MORE: ‘Disgraceful’ act mars Aus Open final

Medvedev and his wife Daria do not have any children, and currently reside in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

“She’s one of the most important members of my team,” Medvedev said during a press conference in 2019.

“She gave me a lot of confidence. I always say that it’s the moment I made the proposal to her, that’s when I started to go up

“It was at this moment – it was after Wimbledon – I was, I think, 65 or something like this, and at the end of the year, I was already 15.

“I mean, I made the best American swing I could have made last year, and it was only going up, and she does a lot for me in order for me to play better tennis.”

Medvedev is yet to clinch that coveted maiden grand slam singles title, but there is no doubt whether Daria will be in the stands cheering him on.

— with The Sun

Osaka’s fourth grand slam title, which came after she vanquished Williams in the semi-finals, is being heralded as a changing of the guard.

The 23-year-old won her fourth slam from the last eight she’s contested with a comfortable 6-4 6-3 victory over Jennifer Brady of the United States in 77 minutes at Rod Laver Arena.

But she gave an emphatic response when asked in her post-match press conference: “A few weeks ago you said as long as she was playing Serena was the face of tennis. Do you think that this win and maybe even the win on Friday has begun to shift that at all?”

“No,” Osaka said, shaking her head. “Not at all.”

The four-word answer was comfortably the shortest of her half-hour long meeting with the media.

Later, Osaka promised not to be weighed down by “pressure and expectation” after her latest Grand Slam victory sparked talk she could end up winning 10 majors.

Osaka becomes only the third player after Monica Seles and Roger Federer to win their first four major finals, and will rise to second in the world rankings.

The Japanese sensation is now seen as the dominant force in women’s tennis, a view shared by seven-time Slam-winner Mats Wilander, who believes Osaka can win 10 Grand Slams.

“I’m taking it in sections. For right now, I’m trying to go for five,” Osaka said, when asked about Wilander’s comment.

“After five I would think about maybe dividing the 10, so maybe seven or eight.”

“I don’t like to take things big-picture,” Osaka added. “For me, I like to live in the moment.

“It’s an honour that he said that. But I don’t want to weigh myself down with pressure and expectations.”

Osaka has proven to be irresistible on hard courts after now winning twice at Melbourne Park and Flushing Meadows.

But she’s struggled elsewhere, having never made it past the third round on the French Open’s clay or Wimbledon’s grass courts.

“I feel like I have to get comfortable on those surfaces,” she said. “I didn’t grow up playing on grass at all.

“I honestly think I’d have better luck on clay, because I think last year I didn’t play bad at all.”

However, when asked where she was most likely to win her first non-hardcourt Grand Slam, Osaka said: “Hopefully clay because it’s the one that’s sooner.”

As her achievements grow, Osaka said she simply hoped to inspire the next generation.

“Hopefully I play long enough to play a girl that said that I was once her favourite player,” she said.

“Unfortunately I didn’t get to play (her favourite player) Li Na. “I just think that’s how the sport moves forward.”

– with AFP

ROGER FEDERER

One of the most loved athletes in the sport, Federer was destined for greatness from a young age.

With 20 grand slam titles to his name, Australian fans hope they’ll see the Swiss maestro at Melbourne Park next year.

RAFAEL NADAL

Unstoppable on clay, Nadal sits one grand slam title behind Roger Federer on the all-time tally.

He was knocked out of the Australian Open by Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals before making a bizarre mid-interview exit during his post-match press conference.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

The Serbian endured one of the most tumultuous years of his professional career in 2020, but remains the favourite to clinch a ninth Australian Open title this weekend.

Djokovic has battled through injury concerns and has no intention of being dethroned any time soon, having dismissed the challenge posed by Generation Next.

NICK KYRGIOS

He remains one of the most controversial figures in tennis, but there’s no denying Nick Kyrgios brings plenty of entertainment to the sport.

The 25-year-old was knocked out of the Australian Open by world No. 3 Dominic Thiem in a five-set thriller in the third round, and came in for some heavy criticism.

Kyrgios’ girlfriend has also made headlines recently as the pair’s relationship came under scrutiny.

ASH BARTY

Barty is the world No. 1 and one of Australia’s most loved athletes across any code.

Despite being gifted a miracle draw, she was knocked out of her home major by Czech star Karolina Muchova in the quarter-finals.

That loss exposed an alarming truth about the Aussie’s ability to handle pressure, sparking a damning prediction about her career.

Barty won her maiden grand slam title at the French Open in 2019, after which a photo of her as a kid went viral.

VENUS & SERENA WILLIAMS

Venus and Serena are arguably the most successful siblings in sporting history, with a combined tally of 30 grand slam singles titles — and they’re still playing!

Sadly, 39-year-old Serena was knocked out of the Australian Open by Japanese sensation Naomi Osaka in the semi-finals, and walked out of her press conference after breaking down in tears.

Serena is one shy of Margaret Court’s record for all-time grand slam singles titles (24) but there are fears her best may not be good enough anymore — a truth she’s finding difficult to swallow.

NAOMI OSAKA

With three grand slam singles titles to her name already, 23-year-old Osaka is as big a hit on the court as she is off it.

She will take on America’s Jennifer Brady during Saturday’s Australian Open final as she hunts a second crown at Melbourne Park.

Osaka’s public appearances are always must-watch affairs, and she recently outed her sister for sending “disturbing” messages in a group text chat.

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS

The long-haired Greek is one of the rising stars in the sport, but lost to Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in their Australian Open semi-final on Friday evening.

DOMINIC THIEM

The Austrian star won his maiden grand slam singles title at the US Open last year and is destined to secure a few more in the near future.

After toppling Nick Kyrgios in a five-set marathon, he was knocked out of the Australian Open by Hungary’s Grigor Dimitrov in straights set in the fourth round.

JENNIFER BRADY

Brady has qualified for her maiden grand slam singles final, where she will take on Japanese sensation Naomi Osaka.

The undisputed queen of quarantine has emerged as the anti-Novak Djokovic hero the Australian Open needed, establishing herself as a powerful new threat in the women’s draw.

ANDY MURRAY

Murray made history by winning Wimbledon in 2012, but sadly was not able to participate in this year’s Australian Open after contracting the coronavirus.

Injuries have ravaged the Scot’s career of late but he still has three grand slam titles to his name.

ALEX DE MINAUR

As the host country’s highest-ranked men’s player, Alex de Minaur was knocked out the Australian Open by Italy’s Fabio Fognini in the third round.

Renowned for his fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude, tennis fans — not to mention British star Katie Boulter — have fallen in love with the Demon.

After the Gold Coast Titans attempted to end long-running rumours linking their club to the NRL superstar by insisting he would not be joining their side for 2021, Brisbane has entered the conversation.

The Courier Mail reports the Queensland powerhouse club has open to signing the 37-year-old and has half a million dollars in its salary cap to entice him after releasing hooker Andrew McCullough to St George Illawarra.

“Look, who wouldn’t want Cam Smith, he is a legend of the game,” Broncos chairman Karl Morris told the Courier Mail.

“But I can honestly say I haven’t spoken to him and I don’t know anyone at the Broncos who has spoken to him.

“The ball is in his court. If Cam called any club tomorrow and said he wanted to play for them, including the Broncos, you would send a limousine to his house.

“Which of the 16 clubs would not want Cam on their books? But we haven’t had any talks so we haven’t had any plans to sign him.”

Smith relocated with his family to Queensland after the Melbourne Storm secured the 2020 NRL premiership in October.

The 37-year-old’s contract with the Storm expired last year, and he is yet to publicly confirm his future plans in the sport.

But after four months of silence from the veteran hooker, a retirement announcement appears increasingly unlikely.

On Tuesday, Smith was spotted kicking a footy around at Firth Park in Mudgeeraba as rumours of an 11th-hour deal with the Titans swelled in volume.

On Tuesday afternoon, ABC commentator Zane Bojack 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.”

But Titans head of performance Mal Meninga defiantly claimed it wasn’t happening.

“We haven’t talked to Cam Smith, that is 100 per cent fact,” Meninga said. “It really is that simple.

“There is all sorts of talk about him living on the Gold Coast and playing for us, but we haven’t spoken to him.

“I don’t have any idea what Cam is doing. I don’t know if he’s retiring. I’m in the dark like everyone else. But I know he won’t be at the Titans.”

Smith has played 433 games for the Storm since making his NRL debut in 2002, featuring in 98 representative matches for Queensland and Australia.

He is the highest NRL points-scorer in history, surpassing Hazem El Masri’s record in April 2019.