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Smith, meanwhile, insisted he was committed to the Storm in 2022. That commitment, however, may not be reciprocated given the backlash to Smith’s comments about the club’s drinking culture.
While chief executive Justin Rodski issued a statement in which he acknowledged Smith’s willingness to play for the club in 2022, sources close to the situation insist fences need to be mended before that can happen.
News Corp understands that is far from a fait accompli that Smith will remain at the Storm in 2022 given the level of anger and antipathy towards the New Zealand Test hooker.
In particular, meetings with Tripp and Bellamy – most likely over the weekend – will decide whether Smith will be given the chance to spend a final season at the Storm.
There are other factors to consider, most notably the salary cap and whether the Roosters would be willing and able to take Smith a year in advance.
Regardless, he still has work to do to convince key figures in Melbourne that he deserves to pull on the purple jumper again. He must also find a way to repair his relationship with his teammates and his reputation with the club’s fans, who have been scathing in their criticism of Smith.
Storm officials were of the understanding that they would get one last shot to convince Smith to stay, adding to their frustration with the way his negotiations have been handled. Their disappointment was mirrored at the Dolphins – they were of the belief that Smith had given them his word that he would join the new franchise in 2023.
Smith insisted he was committed to what remained of his future in Melbourne.
“My focus is now fully turned to the future with the Storm and all the amazing opportunities laid before me,” Smith said.
Smith, meanwhile, insisted he was committed to the Storm in 2022. That commitment, however, may not be reciprocated given the backlash to Smith’s comments about the club’s drinking culture.
While chief executive Justin Rodski issued a statement in which he acknowledged Smith’s willingness to play for the club in 2022, sources close to the situation insist fences need to be mended before that can happen.
News Corp understands that is far from a fait accompli that Smith will remain at the Storm in 2022 given the level of anger and antipathy towards the New Zealand Test hooker.
In particular, meetings with Tripp and Bellamy – most likely over the weekend – will decide whether Smith will be given the chance to spend a final season at the Storm.
There are other factors to consider, most notably the salary cap and whether the Roosters would be willing and able to take Smith a year in advance.
Regardless, he still has work to do to convince key figures in Melbourne that he deserves to pull on the purple jumper again. He must also find a way to repair his relationship with his teammates and his reputation with the club’s fans, who have been scathing in their criticism of Smith.
Storm officials were of the understanding that they would get one last shot to convince Smith to stay, adding to their frustration with the way his negotiations have been handled. Their disappointment was mirrored at the Dolphins – they were of the belief that Smith had given them his word that he would join the new franchise in 2023.
Smith insisted he was committed to what remained of his future in Melbourne.
“My focus is now fully turned to the future with the Storm and all the amazing opportunities laid before me,” Smith said.
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