Smith on track to re- sign at Melbourne

MELBOURNE’S plans to resign skipper Cameron Smith are on track, with the champion hooker expected to announce his future after the season.

Storm football manager Frank Ponissi said discussions with Smith about extending his stellar career were ongoing and positive.

Ponissi said Melbourne were confident the champion No. 9 would commit for at least one more season, but stressed the club wouldn’t pressure him to put pen to paper.

“He ( Cameron) has earned the right to take his time,” Ponissi said.

“But talks are progressing well with Cameron. That said, it is still very early days.

“While Cameron has not made a definitive decision on his future post 2018, he has indicated a desire to continue playing at this stage.

“But he will let us know his future in due course.”

If Smith re- signs with Melbourne it will give him the chance to surpass former Canterbury winger Hazem El Masri as the NRL’s all- time leading pointscorer.

El Masri is 94 points ahead of the legendary Storm hooker, which means Smith will have to play again next season to eclipse the ex- Bulldog.

The point- scoring record is the only personal milestone still evading Smith.

He already has the most premiership games ( 374) and wins ( 266), while he has also played the most Origins ( 42) with the highest number of individual victories ( 26).

Another motivation for Smith is becoming the first player to reach 400 premiership matches.