Rugby league: Kiwis and Melbourne Storm hooker Brandon Smith set for career-defining decision as NRL clubs table offers

Kiwis and Storm star Brandon Smith. Photo / Photosport

In a few months, Kiwis hooker Brandon Smith will face a career-defining decision.

Smith has enjoyed a breakout NRL season, a key component of Melbourne's record setting campaign.

The Waiheke Island product was always seen as a rare talent, but had to do his work in the shadows, stuck behind the incomparable Cameron Smith at the Storm.

He was patient – and thrived as a bench utility – becoming a valued impact player for coach Craig Bellamy. But 2021 has been his time to shine and Smith has left an indelible mark.

As well as his defensive workload, the 25-year-old has averaged 101 running metres. He has notched 11 tries, 13 line breaks and 10 try assists.

Along with those spellbinding statistics, Smith has emerged as a leader, the kind of player who inspires others.

With his contract up in 2022, Smith was already in demand. Now he is seen as a franchise player; the kind of talent to build a pack around.

There is no shortage of interest. The Herald understands that at least six clubs – maybe more – will be prepared to table offers after November 1.

The Storm will be desperate to keep him, though they won't be able to financially match some of the other deals.

Brandon Smith in action for Melbourne. Photo / Photosport

Smith will have a lot to weigh up: taking the challenge elsewhere, as the No 1 hooker, or continuing in a hybrid role at the Storm, sharing duties with Maroons' dummy half Harry Grant.

But Smith is in no hurry, and is solely focussed on the current finals campaign, with the preliminary final against Penrith on Saturday.

He's relieved to be part of it after he feared his season was over due to a suspected facial fracture suffered against Manly in the qualifying final.

He had left the field in the first quarter after a brutal head clash, and the club's medical staff diagnosed another serious injury, following facial fractures suffered in February and August last year.

"I had a little cry in the changing rooms for a bit because they told me it was broken," said Smith. "When it happened it hurt but I didn't think I had broken it.

"But [they] asked me what the symptoms were and I just said my face is numb. They thought that was clear sign of a fracture. So it wasn't very good signs but I couldn't go out there afterwards and mope around and feel sorry for myself. I needed to stay as positive as I could."

Smith was eventually cleared and is one victory away from his third grand final appearance in four years. This one would be the most meaningful yet.

"I'm enjoying being a bit of a leader and a bit of a bigger voice now," said Smith. "People actually listen to me whereas a couple of years ago they would probably tell me to shut up if I started talking in a meeting. It's been a big change from last year, and my role in the team, as a leader, I am loving it."

But he is quick to credit his famous namesake, who played an integral role in his development.

"Without Cam a lot of me and Harry's work and a lot of players in our team wouldn't exist," said Smith. "There are still bits and pieces of Cam Smith that are getting around at this club, whether it is the way we train or the skills and stuff that he taught us."

After a week off, the Storm will be favourites this weekend and much fresher after watching Penrith outlast Parramatta 8-6 on Saturday.

"We took the long road in 2018," said Smith. "I know it took a lot out of us and was very mentally draining. [But] Penrith are a super good side and we need to find ways to crack their defence which is not going to be an easy task."