Melbourne Storm Training Session
SUNSHINE COAST, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 19: Brandon Smith poses for a photo before a Melbourne Storm NRL training session at Sunshine Coast Stadium on October 19, 2020 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

One of the best times to be a Rugby League fan is when a supremely talented and popular player comes off-contract.

Every fan builds a case for his/her team on social media, making it obvious why player x should join their club. Always seems obvious.

Few players in the league are as highly regarded by teammates, opponents and fans quite like the man affectionately known as 'cheese', Brandon Smith.

The Storm utility is a hard-working and extremely talented player on the field, and one of the funniest likeable characters off it.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Brandon Smith of the Storm warms up before the start of the round 19 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Melbourne Storm at QCB Stadium, on July 23, 2021, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Simply put, there isn't a team nor fan who wouldn't want Smith running out for them.

Below we look at the five most likely landing spots for the hooker turn second rower turn prop turn utility turn whatever he sets his mind to.

For the purpose of this we're going to assume that an expansion team hasn't been approved for 2023. Of course any theoretical inclusion would be linked to each and every off contract player.

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5. Melbourne Storm

As with previous lists, let's put the boring one out there first up. There's a very good chance Smith will remain at the all-conquering Melbourne Storm.

Smith has shown the abilities to play anywhere. He has started at prop on more than one occasion. He is also a world class player and way above a 'fill in' for the likes of Harry Grant.

Equally at home in the second row, at hooker or coming off the bench, Smith is a Storm quality player through and through.

NRL Rd 19 - Storm v Sea Eagles
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Cameron Smith (c) of the Storm (R) talks with Brandon Smith of the Storm during the round 19 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Manly Sea Eagles at AAMI Park on July 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

He would have to take a hit to the back pocket in regards to how much he is worth if he stays at the Storm, but remaining in the Melbourne system all but guarantees him future success.

Until he actually signs a contract elsewhere I don't believe a single word that he could leave Melbourne.

This will come down to what Smith wants to achieve in the short term. Sit tight, fill in and chase more premiership glory, or become first choice elsewhere and try to bring down the mighty Melbourne storm.

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