Australian and Queensland captain Cameron Smith has sent shockwaves through the rugby league world by retiring effective immediately from all representative football.

It is understood Smith will officially make the announcement this afternoon and has already told Melbourne Storm teammates. His Maroons teammates, such as South Sydney’s Greg Inglis, were seemingly unaware of his decision after being told about it at training by the media.

Smith has played 42 mighty games (26 wins) for Queensland and most recently held aloft the World Cup in 2017 for the Kangaroos.

Twitter was flooded within a matter of minutes:

https://twitter.com/ChrisGarry7/status/996215434826334208

Cameron Smith retiring from all rep footy effective immediately. Huge. Fitting to go out alongside Thurston and Cronk. #NRL

— Alicia Newton (@anewts91) May 15, 2018

Has anyone shot to the #1 trend on Twitter that quickly? Cameron Smith retires from all rep footy. What a freaking rep career he has had. In shock.

— Curtis Woodward (@woodward_curtis) May 15, 2018

https://twitter.com/kiera_jay_s/status/996217787595964416

When you hear Cameron Smith is retiring from rep footy #Origin pic.twitter.com/Q0LylTuXUJ

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) May 15, 2018

JUST IN | Cameron Smith has retired from representative football, effective immediately.

He won't be playing in this year's State of Origin.

— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) May 15, 2018

Cameron Smith retiring from rep football stunning. Very sad day for the game. There is no athlete in Australia today who has been more successful – a pretty big compliment when you consider he plays the best and toughest sport.

— Nick Tedeschi (@Tedeschi8181) May 15, 2018

#Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith is reportedly set to announce an end to his representative career for the Queensland Maroons and Australia.#KIISnews @Maddie_Burke

— KIIS 101.1 Melbourne (@kiis1011) May 15, 2018