TITANS BID FOR SMITH
THE Titans are formulating a two-year bid to poach Queensland legend Cameron Smith from Melbourne to lead a Gold Coast revolution.
Fresh off landing the signature of Broncos sensation David Fifita, the Titans have discussed offering Smith a two-season contract to finish his glittering NRL career on the Gold Coast.
Smith, 37, is off-contract beyond this season and is believed to be on the verge of deciding whether he will play on in 2021 or retire.
The Storm are in the box seat to retain Smith if he decides to forge on into a record 20th NRL campaign, but the Gold Coast are preparing to dangle a tantalising carrot in front of the former Kangaroos captain.
The Titans are open to discussing a two-year contract with Smith which would see him retire at 39 in 2022 and potentially clock up more than 475 NRL games.
Influential Titans co-owner Darryl Kelly confirmed the club’s interest in Smith and said the Gold Coast favoured a two-year commitment as opposed to a one-year cameo.
“If Cameron Smith is available anyone who didn’t talk to him would have to be foolish, he would bring so much to any organisation,” Kelly said. “He would bring self-discipline and an attitude towards winning.
“We realise we have to raise the standard of our squad. Roster management is a very hard task and turning rosters around in short periods of time is almost impossible.
“It’s recognised that we need some experience, there’s no doubt about that, and in the right positions. Everyone recognises we are a bit short on experienced players.”
Smith’s family relocated to south-east Queensland after the Storm was forced to leave Melbourne for the Sunshine Coast two months ago.
He has children in local schools and reports have suggested wife Barbara has been eyeing off Gold Coast property.