Storm await coach to iron out wrinkles in Smith’s new deal

MELBOURNE Storm boss Dave Donaghy is counting on the return of coach Craig Bellamy to resolve a contract stalemate with Cameron Smith following reports the skipper is demanding a twoyear deal.

Bellamy and long- time football manager Frank Ponissi are due back at work next week after a post- season fact- finding mission in the UK and Europe. Initially seeking a one- year deal which would see him surge pass the 400game mark, it’s reported Smith, 35, is now seeking a two- year contract.

Donaghy said Smith wasn’t holding the Storm to ransom with the extension but added the NRL club wouldn’t be walked over.

“It’s not a case as if Cam’s walked in and said ‘ I want two years or I’m walking out’,” Donaghy said.

“It’s also not a case that we’ve said, ‘ Here’s two years and would you like a foot rub as well’.

“For us it’s about ensuring our decisions are in the club’s best interests. Collectively we all understand that.”

Donaghy said the club would consider the longer deal if it “worked for everyone” and said the club needed to balance the value of their ageing great and the financial worth of young stars.

“There’s many factors that go into decision making around signing a player, whether it’s a one- year, twoyear, three- year deal, you’ve got to weigh up our list balance and salary cap,” Donaghy said.

“The reality is you pay players on what they’re delivering into the future, not what they’ve delivered.

“If everything is stacked up and it was a deal which worked for everyone and physically, mentally, Cameron was in a position that he was absolutely confident to continue at the age of 37, we would certainly give it strong consideration.”

Smith isn’t due back at training until January.

Signing a three- year deal in July to remain head coach for a remarkable 19 years, Bellamy will no doubt have the final say on his roster.

“It’s been challenging just by matter of circumstance and logistics,” Donaghy said.