The race for the coveted signature of Storm hooker Brandon Smith is expected to be held at two clubs as he prefers where he wants to live.
Meanwhile, Benji Marshall’s offer has been delayed as the clubs battle for other players before calling the veteran half.
Read on for the latest NRL Transfer Whispers.
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TWO CLUB COMPANIES FOR SIGNING THE STORMSTERNES
Storm whore Brandon Smith is the hottest target in the NRL after being told he can negotiate with clubs beyond 2021.
The Tigers and Bulldogs are reportedly keen on his services, but Brent Read believes the Broncos and Titans will fight for his signature for 2022 and beyond.
“I was told by people near Brandon Smith that he wanted to be in Southeast Queensland,” Read said on Triple M.
“I know the Broncos are really interested in Brandon Smith and he’s really interested in the Broncos.
“There was something going on behind the scenes in Brisbane this week. They tried to find out if it was a realistic proposition.
“He has a family up there and I think his parents are moving to southeast Queensland. He prefers to be in Southeast Queensland, which means you have to be with the Titans or the Broncos.
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“Right now I think these two clubs are the frontrunners to get him.”
However, the two clubs will not try to lure Smith to Queensland early because they would have to give up to get him.
“I don’t think they’ll get it for next year because the storm wants something in it,” Read said.
“They have players who might be able to trade them, but I’m not sure they’re interested.
“I think we might have to wait 12 months but they are the two clubs that are front runner to get it. Canterbury is there too, but I’ve been told he wants to be in Southeast Queensland. “
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BENJI IN LIMBO TO SUPER LEAGUE SNUB
Benji Marshall’s decision to knock back a lucrative Super League deal could come back to bite him to continue his career as a player.
Marshall has already turned down roles with the Cowboys and the UK to stay in Sydney, but according to Brent Read, a deal at a Harbor City club won’t come through until after the teams set their roster late in the preseason.
“This is one that will linger for a while,” Read said on Triple M.
“If you look at the Bulldogs, they’re still trying to get Matt Burton out of his business at Penrith. Depending on what happens to Burton, Canterbury may explore Benji’s option on the route.
“But I think this is one that will simmer and bubble all summer. If someone finishes in late January, early February or March and still has a hole to fill and Benji still wants to play, then he’s going to put himself on someone’s radar.
“Right now it doesn’t look like there are many options for him, but a lot can change over the course of a summer.”
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SMITH DECISION LOOMS AFTER THE MEETING
The longest running contract saga in the NRL is expected to peak this week after Storm Chair Matt Tripp met with Cameron Smith about his future.
Smith is unlikely to make a playful return to the storm and he will now have to choose between off-field roles in Melbourne and Queensland with the NRL and AFL or a game deal with the Titans.
“It’s close because Storm Chair Matt Tripp was due to fly to Queensland this weekend,” Read said on Triple M.
“I think we’re very close to Cameron Smith and I think he’ll make a decision before Christmas.
“I’ve been told he’s still a little undecided, but this weekend meeting with Matt Tripp should at least go to bed and see if he’s going back to Melbourne.
“That will not happen. He’s not going back to Melbourne to play but I think we’ll get a confirmation over the weekend. “
However, Smith has been looking for positions on Melbourne’s off-field team as well as AFL clubs and may still choose to play for the Titans.
“That’s on the table for Cam if he wants to be a coach or a board member,” said Read.
“There are numerous roles that Melbourne has reserved for Cameron Smith if he wants to stay at the club.
“He will obviously be based on the Gold Coast, so he has to make a decision about what to do.
“There are job offers for Cam everywhere. I think the Gold Coast Suns have approached him. There is a deal for the titans if they want it there. There’s also a coaching role with the Titans if he wants to. He has many jobs on the table to choose from. “
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