And then there were two.
Brandon Smith – the most sought-after player in the rugby league world for 2023 – has narrowed his choices down to two clubs.
The dynamic Melbourne hooker has been chased by half the clubs in the NRL, but is close to deciding his fate, with the Roosters and the league’s new franchise, the Dolphins, the teams still in the hunt.
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“He has spoken to a lot of clubs and narrowed it down to those two,” a source close to Smith told Wide World of Sports.
“Brandon still has another meeting with the Roosters coming up and that will probably decide which we way he goes.”
The Storm are still hopeful of retaining Smith, but simply won’t be able to match the type of money being thrown at him by the big-spending Roosters and Dolphins.
Melbourne also has an outstanding back-up hooker in Harry Grant, who will move into the starting side should Smith move on once his contract expires at the end of next season.
The Roosters see Smith as the perfect long-term replacement for Jake Friend, who retired midway through last season.
And the Dolphins want Smith as a marquee signing for their debut season to attract other big names.