Gold Coast Titans CEO Steve Mitchell has confirmed his club is interested in luring champion Storm hooker Brandon Smith.
Smith, who is off-contract at the end of next season, has been free since November 1 to meet with rival clubs.
After a recent report that Smith was seen meeting with senior figures at the Titans, Mitchell tonight made it known that his club was keeping close tabs on the 25-year-old.
The Gold Coast boss suggested his club’s pursuit of Smith will be met with at least “half a dozen” rivals taking the same approach.
“We would love to have Brandon Smith playing for our team … he’s a sensational player,” Mitchell told 4BC’s Wide World of Sports radio.
“One of our mandates is energy and effort and he brings a lot of that.
“But we’re standing in line. There are half a dozen [clubs] that feel the same way about him.
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“He picked up the Dally M [Hooker of the Year] for his position, quite rightly.
“He’s a fierce competitor and a formidable force … we’re one of a number of clubs who would like his services, that’s for sure.”
Smith has played 86 games for the Storm since making his debut in 2017.
He’s also represented New Zealand at Test level on seven occasions.