Rugby league great Phil Gould says he would be shocked if the Melbourne Storm allowed Brandon Smith to walk, declaring the hooker a “rare diamond” that can influence the chemistry of a squad.
As of November 1, Smith, who is off-contract at the end of 2022, will officially be free to speak with rival teams about his future.
While the 25-year-old is said to prefer his traditional position of hooker as he battles for the starting role alongside Harry Grant at Melbourne, he has also proven himself as a valuable lock, which would be an attractive option for a rival club that may be looking for a versatile forward.
Despite the New Zealand international’s on-field talents, Gould claims the personality and character of Smith are just as important when it comes to determining his value.
“One hundred per cent [you factor in personality and character],” Gould told Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles With Gus.
“There are rare diamonds there that are such an influence on the chemistry and character of your team.
“You’ve heard me talk previously about the difference between culture and chemistry … and it’s a really distinct difference that people don’t get it.
“Success, or the long-term success or the sustainability of your club, comes through the culture and the standards you set and the way you think about your football.
“If you want to win a premiership, there has to be chemistry amongst your players. It is something, once you felt it, you know what it is.
“It’s hard to explain, but there is a chemistry where everyone is at the right stage mentally and physically in their career. It comes together as a group of players who just feed off each other.
“And that is usually brought on by about one or two people, that just have the ability to instill that confidence, that belief, and also to deflect away from the pressure to ensure that everyone is always having a good time and that it’s not a hard time.
“They help deal with all the little challenges you will have over the course of the season. It’s that chemistry that holds a team together.”
Gould went on to explain how players like Smith are crucial to keeping composure out on the field, especially when some coaches and teams “get in their own way”.
“Look at the Melbourne storm, who have pretty much spent all season away from home at the Sunshine Coast – they’ve had to move two or three times this year, but nothing seems to phase them at all,” Gould added.
“Even now where they’re getting in a few games where it’s tight at the back end … it’s people like Brandon Smith and the chemistry they’ve created that holds it together, to keep things as normal as possible.
“Some teams, some coaches can get in their own way a lot. Having people like that in your team help you navigate that minefield.
“He has an extraordinary influence on other people and is still able to perform himself.
“A lot of what we see on TV is a bit of show and an act, but he would very similar to that in real life. You need those people sometimes that entertain the troops.”
Earlier this year, Smith was forced to shut down rumours that he was looking for an early release out of his contract with Storm in an attempt to land a first-choice hooker role with a rival team.
Asked if the Storm could lose Smith to a rival team, Gould said he would be shocked given the forward’s standing at the club.
“I can’t imagine that ever happening,” Gould explained.
“The Melbourne Storm has prided itself on building around three or four marquee players, and right at the moment he’s a marquee player with the Melbourne Storm
“I can’t imagine them letting him go.”
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