Brandon Smith rubbishes Storm exit rumours

Brandon Smith has rubbished reports that he would be willing to pay $200,000 for an early release from his Melbourne Storm contract.

Brandon Smith has shrugged off trade rumours

Storm cult hero Brandon Smith has denied he is looking for a new club, following reports that his management had tabled a first-of-its-kind “pay as you go” contract scheme to the NRL.

The Sun-Herald reported that Smith hoped to exit his current deal by paying around $200,000 of his salary to the Storm.

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However, the man nicknamed “The Cheese” took to social media to rubbish the rumours, in true Brandon Smith style.

“This isn’t true. I’d rather spend the 200k on golf lessons if anyone can help me out,” Smith joked on Instagram.

Brandon Smith denies the report on social media.

Smith started the season strongly in Thursday night’s game, but is reportedly dissatisfied with his current situation at Melbourne. The Test forward had been tipped to assume Cam Smith’s role as hooker following the veteran’s retirement, signing a contract in 2017 that he thought would put him in the job earlier than it has.

However, breakout star Harry Grant has returned from being on loan with the Tigers last year, and is now expected to become the first-choice hooker at AAMI Park when fit.

After he recovers from his knee injury, Grant’s inclusion in the side will likely shift Smith to the bench or lock forward — a slot he filled during last year’s run to the premiership.

If he were to leave the Storm, the 24-year-old could have his pick of a number of clubs, with a handful of last year’s bottom eight sides on the hunt for a quality hooker.

The Sea Eagles, Warriors and Broncos enter the season with first-choice hookers of less than 50 games experience, while the Titans and Bulldogs are reportedly also interested in Smith’s signature.

The Cheese cutting through the line.

Late last year, the Storm said they may be open to granting Smith an early release, pending negotiations.

“Given he is now a premiership player, national representative and has been a valuable asset to our team over the last few years, any move will only be considered with appropriate arrangements put in place,” Melbourne’s General Manager Football Frank Ponissi said in December.

After Melbourne’s win over South Sydney on Thursday, Smith remained confident he could retain the number nine jersey following Grant’s return from injury.

“If Harry is the best option for the team, then he will be the best option for the team,” Smith said.

“But the next two games are Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers, so my main objective is to get two wins there as it would be a hard case to argue (to change hookers) if we have beaten three of the top teams from last year.”