Fresh twist in Brandon Smith contract saga revealed

Brandon Smith’s contract saga has taken another twist while another Storm star has revealed what he wants from Melbourne.

Brandon Smith and Jahrome Hughes.

There’s been yet another twist in Brandon Smith’s contract saga with his manager rubbishing claims the star hooker has narrowed his choice down to two clubs.

Smith’s contract with the Storm expires at the end of 2022. Melbourne are hopeful of retaining him, but Smith knocked back their $2.2 million, three-year offer to go to market.

Given the shortage of world class No. 9s, Smith is a hot commodity and has been chased accordingly.

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The 25-year-old has met with the Titans, Dolphins, Cowboys and will meet with the Roosters this week.

A report emerged on Monday claiming the race for Smith’s signature was down to two with the Kiwi Test star to choose from either the Dolphins or Roosters.

However, Smith’s manager, Stan Martin, told News Corpthat is far from the truth and revealed the date he hopes to have a decision by.

“Not at all,” Martin said. “I don’t know where people get this s***. It p***** me off.

“We haven’t discussed anything yet. That will come after Brandon’s meeting with the Roosters but he hasn’t even got to Sydney yet.

“I’m just sick and tired of people speculating. It is cut and dry — Brandon will make his decision after meeting with the Roosters and I’m hoping to have it sorted by December 7 because he’s got to be back at training in Melbourne.

“I’m sure we’ll have it sorted before Christmas.”

Brandon Smith hopes to make a decision on his future by December 7. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Storm playmaker wants long-term deal

Jahrome Hughes’ manager Tas Bartlett dropped a bomb last week when he revealed his star client has opted against the option in his Storm contract for the 2024 season.

It came as a shock given Hughes had just inked a lucrative extension earlier this year, however the reason behind the recent decision was because the star halfback is after a long-term deal.

It didn’t take long for the Dolphins to jump, with the expansion club reportedly holding preliminary talks with Hughes.

However, Bartlett has now toldWide World of Sports that Hughes is “loyal” to the Storm and revealed he’s hoping to receive a five-year extension from the club before November 1, 2022 — when Hughes can go to market.

“The story last week created a bit of a ruckus but the reality is, it is still a long way off and Jahrome is loyal to Melbourne and happy there,” Bartlett said.

“I will go and have a chat to them when things settle down and if we can work out say a five-year deal that will take him to age 32, we may take it.

“Of course he will be open to offers from rival clubs next November if we don’t come to terms but he is loyal to the Storm and hopefully we can sort something out.”

Jahrome Hughes has his eyes on a long-term deal. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Hodgson to stay in Canberra

It seems Josh Hodgson’s speculated move to the Wests Tigers won’t be happening and the English international will be staying put in Canberra to see out the final year of his contract.

The Raiders informed Hodgson that he’s free to look elsewhere for 2023, triggering interest from the Wests Tigers — who had reportedly hoped to lure him to Concord a year early.

The switch seemed likely as recent as a week ago, however both the Wide World of Sportsand The Daily Telegraph report that the Raiders have changed their mind.

It’s understood the club does not want to chip into Hodgson’s $850,000 contract next season while he runs out for another club.

The Tigers were reportedly only interested if the Raiders contributed to the 32-year-old’s contract for 2022.

Not only are Canberra refusing to chip in, but the club may need Hodgson in the opening rounds depending on what happens with Tom Starling. The young rake will front court in the new year over an alleged incident outside a Central Coast establishment.

Josh Hodgson’s immediate move to the Tigers looks to be off. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Originally published as Fresh twist in Brandon Smith contract saga revealed