Bellamy’s future crucial to Smith sticking around at Melbourne
STORM hooker Brandon Smith admits coach Craig Bellamy’s looming decision on his future will be a ‘‘huge contributing factor’’ in his own plans.
The New Zealand international said on Friday his preference was to stay with Storm, although his future at the club remains under a cloud.
He said last month he was willing to leave Storm to secure a full-time No.9 jumper.
Melbourne gave him permission to explore his options elsewhere for 2022, with an early release possible if a player swap lands Storm a suitable replacement. He has been linked to the Titans among other clubs, but so far Smith remains a Storm player.
“I know what I want to do, which is just to go out and play,” Smith said.
“I guess my manager just wants to make the most money out of me and of course I want to make money as well, but I want to be happy as well.
“I see myself as being a really happy person in a Melbourne Storm jersey, and I see Jahrome Hughes just resigned for three years and I think he took something like a $200,000 pay cut.
“Regardless of what happens, I really want to be in a Melbourne Storm jersey.”
Bellamy said recently this would be the final year of his remarkable head coaching career ‘‘at this stage’’.
He has coaching director offers from Brisbane and Cronulla, while Storm also wants to retain Bellamy in a similar role if not head coach.
“That (Bellamy’s decision) is going to be a huge contributing factor, to see what he’s going to be doing as coach,” Smith said.
“But he’s a bit like Cameron Smith isn’t he?
“I wondered where Smithy got this thing from, so I think he’ll (Bellamy) just be waiting for the best offer before coming back to the Storm and saying ‘I got this offer.’
“He’s too smart.” Smith will start next Thursday night’s season opener at AAMI Park in the No.9 jersey following the recent knee injury to Harry Grant.