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.”
Zak
Roar Rookie
I’m surprised Brandon Smith and his manager haven’t expressed a desire for him to become a fullback!!! It seems like the in thing to do know for a lot of players-“I want to be an elite fullback so pay me elite fullback money”
mushi
Roar Guru
Yep and if he was playing like the 16th best hooker in the comp does anyone have any doubt they'd they'd be looking at other options? I'm struggling to think of scenario where a club would pay a significant loyalty premium to a player not delivering, they sometimes pay thinking they'll get the form back but they never go hey here's 200k above market and we'll give you 60 minutes of game time ahead of a clearly better player because of what you've done for us in the past.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
It's probably exactly why he's looking to move on. One thing waiting for the greatest hooker ever to retire for your opportunity. It's a whole other thing for that to happen and still find yourself 2nd string.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
It’s not spot on. Smith has been released after 2021 anyway
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Really? Cam Smith deciding what he will do for the 2021 season would stop Brandon Smith seeking a release for 2022? This is nothing to do with Smith potentially playing another year and everything to do with Brandon Smith sewing himself potentially stuck behind Harry Grant as soon as he does?
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
You could be right, but I do think its a rough call. He is an international hooker and has waited for his turn at the #9. I'd be p***ed off and Storm should let him go immediately wherever he wants. no trade expected given he has hung around on a promise.
Adam
Roar Guru
Even if the C Smith retires B Smith is a long way behind Grant in the race to be starting hooker. Not even a competition.
mushi
Roar Guru
No he doesn't. The storm, like any other club, only value him because he furthers their goals. Their "loyalty" is just acknowledging benefit.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
B. Smith would be good at the Dogs
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! I'm sure the Storm brainstrust know exactly what the GOAT is doing in 2021. Why should they let onto their competitors what they are doing with their squad ? They can tease everyone with three of the best number 9's running around. Right now they are all signed up and in Melbourne, and others can only whinge & dream if and who might be available sometime soon ?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Come on Dogs...get in there...
Rob
Guest
100% Mushi. I don’t think any club would boot Cameron Smith. Name a club that would not sign Cameron tomorrow given an opportunity? He’s winning games and securing Premierships leading his team. The Storm are within their rights to not offer him a contact and Smith is within his rights to play the game for as long as he likes.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Mushi he does have a responsibility to the club and his team mates to make a decision, the whole thing seems to be revolving around him which in my opinion is causing problems for others. Most ex league players I have met have always stated that they knew when it was time and the decision was an easy one to make. If Smith feels he can play on for another season, Good luck to him, I would not begrudge him that, but please make a decision Cameron?
mushi
Roar Guru
Not Smith's responsibility. If Smith was a rubbish player the club would have punted him. Melbourne, or any other club's, "loyalty" is directly proportionate to the player's talent. Smith should do what is right by him.
Phil
Roar Rookie
Spot on ND. Cameron Smith is becoming a problem child if in fact he "hasn't made up his mind "yet. If he is still deciding then he has a very selfish attitude which could tarnish his legacy at Melbourne. The more I think about it the more I am convinced the time has come for Melbourne to make up his mind for him. Afterall it is a business which must plan for the future. Even if Cameron wants to play on he has only the one season left so it won't be too big a loss if he moves to another club or retires.
Tony
Roar Guru
Good for book sales though. Makes an ideal Christmas gift.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
All this would be avoided if Cameron Smith came out and clearly stated his intentions in regard to next season. Does the club know what he is doing? By the feel of things Harry Grant is not getting a release from the Storm and is expected back there next season which leaves Brandon Smith out in the cold. One would suggest that he would be an ideal replacement for Grant at the Tigers. I do not know for sure but I believe Grant has a get out clause if Cameron Smith plays on next season. The whole Smith retirement has become a circus.
Paul
Roar Guru
Is Melissa Bailey AAP?