Melbourne toiling to retain Smith

Melbourne Storm are looking to move players as they try to meet Cameron Smith's seven-figure salary demands, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.

New Zealand international Sam Kasiano, fellow forward Patrick Kaufusi and utility back Cheyse Blair are the names Melbourne are shopping in order to retain their off-contract skipper.

The Storm and Smith have not yet come to terms on a new deal, although senior Melbourne officials remain confident of retaining their captain with some third-party arrangements still needing to be settled.

The news comes alongside Storm winger Josh Addo-Carr revealing his desire to take over the fullback role from retired legend Billy Slater.

Addo-Carr was hoping to see Smith put pen to paper shortly.

“I haven’t spoken to Smithy since Mad Monday, he’s having a good time with his family,” Addo-Carr told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“I suppose a decision will come up in the next couple of weeks. It depends on how happy he is and I believe he is happy.

“I hope he signs for the next five years. He is the best player in the world. It depends on how his body pulls up. I’ve got no doubt he’ll play.”

While Storm coach Craig Bellamy contemplates who to replace Slater in the number one jersey, Addo-Carr declared he is capable of filling the huge void.

“I’d love to take up the challenge,” Addo-Carr said.

“It depends on what the coaches want, if the coaches said to trial at fullback, I will.

“I’ve played everywhere in the back line. No one can compete with Billy, you’ve got to be very fit to play fullback.

“I don’t see why not. The coaches can chuck me in at fullback at training and I’ll see how I go.
“We’ve got Scott Drinkwater and Jahrome Hughes coming through who play fullback, so I’m happy where I’m at. If the coach wants me to play fullback, I’ll play fullback.”