Melbourne are considering cutting superstar utility Brandon Smith immediately, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
The revelation comes a day after media got wind of a podcast in which Smith, 25, all but confirms he will sign with the Roosters.
Smith has one year to run on his deal with the Storm, but has been allowed to negotiate with rival clubs since November 1, per NRL rules.
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He has been spotted meeting with southern Queensland clubs the Dolphins and Titans, and also flew to Sydney where he met with Roosters coach Trent Robinson and played golf with some of the past and present players.
Smith revealed on the podcast an additional three clubs had flagged interest in signing him, but he said he wants to win a premiership wearing the famous tricolours jersey.
His comments on the podcast, coupled with his public sightings with rival clubs in Queensland, have reportedly infuriated Storm officials.
The Victorian club recently stood by him when Smith was one of three players caught up in a white-powder scandal a day after the Storm were knocked out of the premiership race.
He is considered the best forward utility in the game and kept superstar young hooker Harry Grant on the bench for the Storm this year. He has also represened New Zealand in the No.9 jersey.
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Certain NRL clubs would have been prepared to offer as much as a million dollars a year for his services.
If the Storm do cut him loose, it’s unknown whether the Roosters would have the salary cap space available to sign him for 2022.
The Chooks are paying big money to the likes of James Tedesco, Joey Manu, and Angus Crichton already.
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