Dolphins set for feeding frenzy
ASPIRING second Brisbane team the Dolphins are ready to capitalise on a market frenzy following revelations star NRL trio Brandon Smith, Reed Mahoney and Anthony Milford are open to offers from the expansion franchise.
Smith, Mahoney and former Broncos $1m man Milford enter the final year of their contracts on November 1, meaning they are free to speak to rival clubs about contracts for the 2023 season and beyond.
One or all three shape as prime targets for the expansion side when it is finally announced, most likely later this week.
The ARL Commission has scheduled a meeting where they are expected to confirm that the Redcliffe-backed Dolphins have won the day, securing the right to enter an expanded 17-team competition from 2023.
That announcement will turn the NRL player market on its head as the new side starts piecing together a competitive squad for their entry to the NRL, almost certainly with seven-time premiership winner Wayne Bennett at the helm.
Smith was recently embroiled in Melbourne’s whitepowder scandal, triggering a $15,000 fine and one-match ban, but that saga won’t stop the Storm hooker being chased heavily by NRL rivals.
Smith has an extension offer on the table from the Storm but his agent, Stan Martin, confirmed he would head to market on November 1.
“I’m not doing anything until at least November. Then we will see what the market says,” Martin said.
“Brandon is not doing anything with anybody. He is just keeping his head down, which h is what he should do.“
The Storm tabled an offer to Smith some months ago and then returned with a second offer not long after. Martin has been sitting on those deals, waiting for November to arrive to get a sense of what rival clubs are willing to pay Smith.
Only a matter of weeks ago, Smith acknowledged he was happy at the Storm but open to interest from the NRL’S 17th team.
“Of course it has appeal,” Smith said of joining a second Brisbane team.
“My parents just moved to Brissie, so it’s an option. I have put everything aside and come November 1, when I can get formal offers, there will be a lot of discussions between me and my manager.
“I guess any club is a hope, but my preference is to stay here. I want to sort my future out sooner rather than later. I want it done sometime during the pre-season, but before I
sign anything, I want to be able to address the Storm if I am leaving.”
While Smith’s signing would no doubt hold appeal, so would that of Mahoney. The Eels hooker has the added advantage of hailing from the Sunshine Coast, an area that the Dolphins in particular want to cultivate.
Parramatta are expected to step up talks with Mahoney next week.
“Parramatta are keen to keep Reed,” Mahoney’s agent, Sam Ayoub, said.
“Reed is no different to any other player who is coming off contract if they haven’t finalised terms with their club.
“Not every player coming off contract next year will be rushing to do a deal with the new club.”
Brisbane five-eighth Milford, who will join South Sydney next season, also shapes as a logical target for the new side given he has only agreed a one-year deal and has a good relationship with Bennett.
“Reed and Anthony are professional footballers, so if a second Brisbane team was to show interest and want to talk to them, of course they will consider it,” Ayoub said.