With the writing on the wall, Melbourne’s Brandon Smith has been given approval to find a new NRL home at the end of the 2021 season.
Smith has long spoken of his desire to start at hooker and was biding his time until Cameron Smith’s retirement.
With the skipper is yet to officially announce his playing future, the younger Smith has been leapfrogged by Harry Grant.
Grant was was unearthed as a rising superstar with a breakout season while on loan to Wests Tigers and then in Queensland’s State of Origin triumph last month.
Melbourne announced on Monday afternoon that Smith could leave a year before his contract ended after the Kiwi international asked for an early release.
They recognised that the 24-year-old, who played as a middle forward this season in the starting side and off the bench, wanted to play exclusively as hooker.
“Brandon is a wonderful player and great person to have around the club,” said Storm general manager of football Frank Ponissi.
“Given he is now a premiership player, national representative and has been a valuable asset to our team over the last few years, any move will only be considered with appropriate arrangements put in place.”
The Storm want a player of similar value to Smith should they allow him to leave, similar to Test winger Josh Addo-Carr, who wanted an early exit to return home to Sydney.
They couldn’t reach a suitable agreement for Addo-Carr and he will see out his contract next season.
“The club has shown we are comfortable with negotiating these requests while also maintaining our performance on the field, given we were in the same position with Josh Addo-Carr only 12 months ago,” Ponissi said.
“We look forward to having Brandon back on the track on January 4 along with his teammates as they prepare for the 2021 season.”
Big Daddy
Guest
Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story. Uncle Nick already has him pencilled in to replace Friend at the end of next year .
Birdy
Roar Rookie
There was a clip on youtube after the gf of an american basket baller or nfl player watching Smith's antics post gf celebrations. Apparently he was the original cheese, so he loved Brandon Smith' s party mode.
Rob
Guest
Right call from the Storm. He's a good hooker but Grant is clearly better. Still think Smith is a better 13 than he is 9.
bbt
Roar Rookie
Storm have made the correct call IMHO. I don't see the Cheese as an extremely effective 9. Smith has shown what the modern 9 needs to have in their bag. I am not certain that the Cheese has the timing with his passing, and the vision. His forte is the hard running against tiring forwards.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! But it won't be next season. The Storm's "claytons" early release offer would mean they would only ever let B Smith go early if they got Turbo from Manly !
Tony
Roar Guru
I like him as a lock. Dragons should chase him. And he brings just that little bit of mongrel.
Nat
Roar Rookie
What does this say about Smith's retirement? Does Grant need another year of mentoring under Smith? I wouldn't think so, Grant will only get better. I think Cheese might be better suited in the runnning lock role. He has more grunt than nous.
Chris
Roar Pro
Judging from his post-premiership dressing room videos, he's upgraded the nickname to 'Champ Cheese' permanently. I'm happy to call him by that.
Larry1950
Guest
Easy solution, release Smith to the Warriors in exchange for either Maumolo or Fusitu'a as a ready made winger replacing Vunivalu. Win-Win.
Tony
Roar Guru
And think of what he'd bring to the Manly mad Monday celebrations
Tony
Roar Guru
I played with a front rower whose nickname was headbutt.
elvis
Roar Rookie
I was only half joking
Paul
Roar Guru
harsh but certainly possible with their recent history
Paul
Roar Guru
you reckon Politis won't be making approaches? If I was Verills, I'd be nervous, great prospect that he is
elvis
Roar Rookie
I watched him this year and when he played hooker he passed like he had a blindfold on. Bringing the forwards onto the ball is your primary role as a hooker, no matter how good your running game is. I can see why they let him go.
elvis
Roar Rookie
He could go to the Knight if he wants to do an ACL
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Can see he will be in high demand. My only concern would be his weight in the next couple of years - he is a chunky piece of cheese!
Walter Black
Guest
I like the cheese, I like his devil may care attitude and his complete commitment and 100% unpredictability but in some ways, he is a bit of a wild child, apt to do something a little bit crazy. I hope he stays with Melbourne 1 more year and enjoys more premiership success and then if he must leave, I will watch his career develop and wish him all the best.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
I'm glad Hectic Cheese didn't bail out a year or two ago, and he has been rewarded with premiership. Long live the Cheese!
Pickett
Roar Rookie
We have Verills coming through.