McNamara led the Giants back to Super League at the first attempt on Saturday, with a 38-16 win over Leigh in Saturday's Northern Ford Premiership Grand Final.

And Smith believes his captain has the ability to become one of the top British coaches in the game.

He said: "I've been trying to get him to retire and get into coaching because I think he's going to be an absolutely outstanding coach.

"He'll be picking out coach-of-the-year awards in the top division in years to come, I've no doubt," said Smith, who was himself named NFP Coach of the Year last week.

McNamara, who was included in the NFP All Stars XIII, kicked seven goals from nine attempts in Saturday's final as the Giants equalled Wigan's record 29-match winning run.

"He's just been incredible," added Smith. "He's our man of steel, our player of the year. He's been a tremendous help to me personally and an enormous help to the team."

McNamara, who last month celebrated his 31st birthday, admits he is tempted to extend his playing career into Super League VIII.

"I'd like to carry on playing but you never know what opportunities are around the corner," he said.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed the season and, I believe, acquitted myself well. And if I get another shot in Super League, it would be great.

"It's up in the air at the minute. We've had some discussions on the way my career might go but we'll sit down and talk in the next week or so.

"I just want to enjoy this success. It's been a fantastic season and to imagine at the start of training 12 months ago we would come this far and lose one game all season is unthinkable."