The Titans will have cash to splash in the upcoming off-season, with a reported $700,000 in salary space free for the club to add to an already promising list.
With Gold Coast pressing for a hooker and Melbourne currently unsure where three of their star No.9's will be for 2021, the Titans have asked the question surrounding several of the Storm's most biggest names.
According toย The Daily Telegraph's Phil Rothfield,ย the Titans are showing increasing interest in Melbourne duo Harry Grant and Brandon Smith as well as keeping a close eye on veteran Cameron Smith.
โIโve done a little bit of homework on the Titans and what I have found out overnight is that they are looking for a No.9,โ Rothfield told Fox Sports News.
โTheyโve got Bryce Cartwrightโs contract money and alittle bit more, probably around $700,000 to spend.
โAnd I can tell you that they have approached the Melbourne Storm about Brandon Smith and Harry Grant. But theyโre both going to be at the Storm because (Sundayโs grand final) is going to be Cameronโs last game in a Storm jersey.
โIf theyโve got that money available, if heโs living on the Gold Coast, which I think he will be โ heโs bought the house, nice new car, family, kids and schools โ thereโs $700k there and heโs playing so well.โ
Rothfield added Smith's close relationship with Gold Coast's head of performance and culture, Mal Meninga, could sway the game's record holder to Queensland.
โThereโs a guy called Mal Meninga, who was so tight with him for Queensland and Australia, donโt tell me theyโre not going to have a discussion.โ
Smith will line up for Melbourne in Sunday's Grand Final against Penrith in what will be his 430th match in the the purple.
If the Titans do sign Cameron Smith there’s no doubt he would be a tremendous asset, but for how long? Would it be 1 season or 2 seasons? Mitch Rein is still contracted for next season and the obvious move would be to have a younger hooker coming through to eventually replace these fellas.
I can see the Titans being a big force, top 8 next season and signing Smith would be the icing on the cake.