Storm supplier Brandon Smith has given Melbourne an ultimatum regarding his future at the club if Cameron Smith should extend his career until 2021.
Melbourne will have both Tigers loanee Harry Grant and Brandon Smith on their books next season when Cameron Smith retires, but both positions at the club are now in doubt as to whether he will continue to play.
Grant has a clause in his contract that allows him to play elsewhere, while New Zealand hooker Smith has officially requested publication in case his namesake plays in a historic 20th season, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
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What is Smith waiting for?
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“Brandon Smith’s agent has written to the Storm that they will seek a release from Melbourne if Cameron Smith wants to play next year,” said Yvonne Sampson in the Fox League.
“So if you’re in the market for a Michael Ennis hooker, why look at Brandon Smith?”
“What Clint Gutherson brings, Brandon Smith brings,” Ennis replied.
“He brings that desire to victory and Matty Johns spoke to son Cooper in the shirt presentation about how playing for the Melbourne Storm requires a certain personality and a certain person.
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“Brandon Smith did everything and more for Craig Bellamy’s side. He’s a wonderful dummy half. It is hard, robust and brings a lot of energy.
“The fact that he played a role as a minor center forward for the storm and he wants to play dummy half and some sides express their need to fill key positions with Brandon Smith.
“If Harry Grant comes back there, Brandon won’t have a chance to play Origin. He only plays international soccer game for New Zealand which is good value in the market. “
Brandon Smith has made eight tries in 56 NRL games for the Storm since debuting in 2017, representing his country seven times.
New Bulldogs trainer Trent Barrett is reportedly keen to lure Smith to Canterbury when he takes over next season.
MATTY JOHNS PODCAST
Title: What Makes a Great Coach?
Full summary: From Fox Sports ….. Matty, Blocker and Kenty have had their best and worst experiences with coaches in the past with so many changes to the NRL Coach Carousel. Who was the best? Who Wasn’t Prepared? Who was the most memorable? The boys also examine the role of a club’s board of directors in hiring (and firing). There’s a lot to talk about in the latest edition of the Matty Johns Podcast.
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