MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 16: Brandon Smith of the Melbourne Storm runs during a Melbourne Storm NRL media session at Gosch's Paddock on May 16, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Melbourne are facing the possibility of losing one Smith after re-signing another, following skipper Cameron Smith's decision to sign a two-year extension with the Storm.

Young New Zealand Test hooker Brandon Smith has been waiting in the wings for Smith to retire, although after the captain signed a new deal, Smith has reportedly felt unhappy given it now means more time on the sidelines.

According to WWOS, Smith isn't ready to wait another two years for his namesake to retire, and is on the lookout for a better opportunity elsewhere.

A number of rival clubs are currently in the market for a hooker, with the Eels one of several sides who could do with a player of Smith's ilk.

Smith played 18 games for the Storm in 2018, and represented the Kiwis in their end-of-season Tests against Australia and England.

17 COMMENTS

  1. I agree that he would be a great pick up for us.
    I disagree with calling our management clowns.
    I’d also note he is contracted to 2022.
    I don’t think we’ll get him.

  2. Brandon would be mad to leave now.
    1. He was already expecting to be 2nd choice/ backup hooker in 19
    2. A year is a long time in rugby league, 2 is an eternity.
    3. Another year as Smith’s understudy will increase his asking price if he does decide to leave.
    4. I don’t think Bellyache wants another year with a huge void like Cronk left and will give Brandon more game time at hooker.

  3. He could leave, or he could stay and still get game time at the top level/ be mentored by arguably the best to ever play the game…..

  4. We had the chance to get Brian Smith back at the club as the head of football but instead they went with a guy who held the same position at the tigers for only 6 months then got fired for sexual harassment. He then spent the last couple of years working for woolies.
    Hardly the work of a competent administration. Don’t even get me started on our appalling playing strip.

  5. He is going nowhere. He will get plenty of game time and would be miles better off playing off the bench at storm rather than crippling his career by signing with the eels. Just remember what happened to players like Sandow and Foran. Its a players graveyard at Parra.

  6. I think we’ve got an extremely strong management team.
    They cleaned up the mess, we’ve got sponsors, members, member communication improved no end etc etc.
    Getting the spoon last year doesn’t / isn’t a fair representation of management.
    It’s easy to blame, point the finger at everyone, and call for mass sackings etc, but that’s not the solution.

  7. Yeah, because every player Manly has ever recruited has lived up to their potential, maintained/improved form, and you’ve never had any issues with players being disruptive.

  8. Lots of clubs will be interested offer more game time, a starting position and more money than what the storm has to give. Eels could really do with signing him and have money since Norman has left. Bulldogs are a club that needs good young players in there rebuild. (Should look to swap Smith for Fa’manu Brown and cash). Think Penrith should also have a go at him. Merrin just left and they haven’t signed anyone and hooker is there only real weakness.

  9. Brandon Smith can be uses as a second row bench replacement also not just dummy half/hooker. He is a solid chunky build that can mix it with all the toughies. I like his style and his defence is hard.💪👴👉🎱

  10. As much as I would like Parra to sign him, I can’t see it happening.
    How is he going to “walk out on the Storm”? I know player contracts get broken, way too frequently, but on what grounds, in Smith’s case, was specially given he is contracted to 2022.
    The Storm would have to release him, and I can’t see that happening.

  11. Yea Every player we’ve picked up from The hapless eels. Eg Lyon, Trex, Wolfman, Buhrer all won grandfinals that they never would have at the eels.

  12. He won’t go anywhere. Can will play full time hooker in the first year, An Brandon will be full time hooker in 2020👌🏽👌🏽

  13. I highly doubt he would even consider going to the eels and kill his career. His name would never be heard off nor will he play anymore test football. At least he would win the wooden spoon every year until he retires or end up like Norman on the white stuff.
    He should go to a team that’s rebuilding or need the final piece to be a premiership team such as the knights, bulldogs or panthers

  14. If I were the Storm I’d be even thinking

    1, Munster
    2, Vunivalu
    3, Chambers
    4, Scott
    5, Addo,Carr
    6, C.Smith
    7, Croft or (Hughs)
    8, Bromwich
    9, B.Smith (Cameron can help out, mentor rotate)
    10, Kasiano
    11, Kaufusi
    12, Stimson
    13, Finucane
    14, Hughs
    15, NAS
    16, Seve
    17,K.Bromwich

Comments are closed.