The Melbourne Storm dummy half situation has been the topic of hot debate this season, with both Harry Grant and Brandon Smith among the best players in the competition.

Two starting-calibre - and representative at that - players has been something of a headache for coach Craig Bellamy.

Smith is off-contract at the end of 2022 and openly admits he hasn't made his kind up about where he is likely to end up, or whether he will stay at Melbourne, despite his love for the club.

The New Zealand-born rake has a well-known desire to be a starting hooker, and it's a role he has proven he can play time and time again this year as he and Grant have taken over from legend Cameron Smith.

Smith reportedly has a number of options on the table, with most clubs in the NRL showing interest, although it appears the Bulldogs, Titans and Roosters are at the head of the queue.

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)

In an interview with Channel 9 though, Grant said he'd be happy to continue playing from the bench if it kept Smith at the club.

โ€œI think everyone wants to start but I think for me itโ€™s just whateverโ€™s best for the team and for myself itโ€™s probably playing off the bench,โ€ Grant said.

โ€œI love him. Heโ€™s so good for our side and our squad and Iโ€™m just telling him to hurry up and sign. Everyone wants him to stay.โ€

Smith told Channel 9 that he has no idea about where he will end up.

โ€œI still have no idea,โ€ Smith said.

โ€œObviously my preferred position is hooker and the way this club is run. Itโ€™d be hard for me to turn away from this.

โ€œI sort of owe them. You donโ€™t owe anyone in footy. But they really changed my life, this club, and itโ€™d be hard to turn away.

โ€œI donโ€™t really have a clear vision on what I want to do.โ€

The Storm's bench with Grant playing on it has been dubbed one of the best ever, with Grant himself a Queensland representative option.

Smith is off-contract in Melbourne at the end of 2022 and will likely demand a big upgrade to stay at the club, while Grant is also off-contract at the end of 2022.

1 COMMENT

  1. He’s a good team na Harry. Easy to be the good guy with a new contract and safe in the knowledge that the position is his sooner arther than later. Cheese is the one with the writing on the wall. The fact he has achieved everything already at the Storm will come into play when looking at (potentailly) $millions between staying and leaving.

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