The 37-year old future Immortal dropped his long-awaited decision on Storm players and staff on Wednesday morning, before the unveiling of statues of Smith and fellow future Immortal Slater at AAMI Park.

It was fitting, given the pair started their careers on the neighbouring Holden Centre, formerly known as Olympic Park, before the growth of the club contributed to the opening of 30,000-seat AAMI Park later in their careers.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy was close by as was loyal teammate Ryan Hoffman, a host of Storm old boys and the current generation led by new co-captains Jesse Bromwich and Dale Finucane.

Smith flew into Melbourne from his family’s new base on the Gold Coast knowing he would be announcing the end of his 430-game career, but he first had to duck back to his house where many of the family’s belongings still reside so he could grab his suit. He has had no need for one in Queensland.

Smith had a closed-door meeting with Bellamy where he told the coach of his decision, then addressed the club’s staff barbecue where he presented Bromwich with his first jersey as club captain and told the group the news they had long been waiting to hear.

Then he walked over to the statue and told the rest of the world. While he was walking, the Storm tweeted the retirement news.

This was Smith’s announcement to make and after 20 years of the rugby league world dictating his schedule, he has revelled in spending his days with his wife Barbara and three kids or out on the golf course.

Rugby league has made him a wealthy and well-known man and he is grateful for all he has received, but he is done sacrificing his time.