NRL 2021: Harry Grant breaks silence over Cam Smith contract saga

Breakout NRL star Harry Grant has weighed in on the Cameron Smith contract saga - and it’s good news for Melbourne Storm fans.

Harry Grant back trains with the Melbourne Storm for the first time since returning from his loan stint with West Tigers. Picture: Getty Images

Queensland rising star Harry Grant says he will gladly remain in Melbourne this year, even if Cameron and Brandon Smith are there in 2021.

The 22-year-old on Monday returned to the Storm training paddock for the first time since being loaned out to the West Tigers for the 2020 season.

Grant’s meteoric rise to success, including the 2020 Dally M Rookie of the Year and Maroons selection, has earmarked him as the long-term replacement for Melbourne’s regular No.9 – Cameron Smith.

Harry Grant is wild about spending 2021 at Melbourne Storm. Picture: Getty Images

And with Smith’s contract now expired at the club and a decision yet to be made, Grant is preparing to battle it out with fellow dummy half star Brandon Smith ahead of the upcoming season.

The Yeppoon product told The Courier-Mail he would like to become the club’s starting hooker but would leave it to head coach Craig Bellamy to make the decision.

“I’m just excited to be back here in Melbourne,” Grant said.

“It doesn’t feel all too different from when I left and it doesn’t feel as if I’ve been away for too long.

“I’m not sure what Craig’s plans are (for the No.9 jersey) so we’ll just wait and see.”

Brandon Smith back at training with Melbourne for the 2021 pre-season. Picture: Getty Images

Melbourne Storm in preparation for season 2021. Picture: Getty Images

Speaking to media in Melbourne on Monday, Grant said he would not be deterred if Cameron Smith opted to stay at the club this year.

“I think he’s still on his book tour,” he said.

“Smithy has a few more weeks and then they’ll go from there.

“I’m still here. I’ve got a few more years with the Storm … so hopefully we can stay put here for the season.”

Grant spent the Christmas break with his family at his home in Yeppoon, near Rockhampton, while also maintaining regular training sessions with local A-Grade side, the Seagulls.

He admitted the shortened pre-season training block in Melbourne was likely to be a gruelling task.

“It’s a pretty heavy schedule we have for the next few weeks,” he said.

“It’s a shorter pre-season so they’re just trying to cram as much in.”

It was Melbourne’s first training session back at Gosch’s Paddock since June last year, after they were forced to relocate to the Sunshine Coast because of COVID restrictions.

Seven of the club’s grand final 17 were back on deck on Monday, including Justin Olam, Jahrome Hughes, the Bromwich brothers, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Brandon Smith and Nicho Hynes.

Origin stars Christian Welch and Dale Finucane also dropped in for a surprise weights session during the morning.