Rugby league legend Cameron Smith’s refusal to sign a deal could see some of his teammates punted from the Melbourne Storm.
The 35-year-old captain is yet to re-sign for 2019, but isn’t due back until January along with New Zealand players who had post-season tests.
The Melbourne Storm are reportedly planning to offload some of their players to free up some extra money to satisfy Smith’s contract demands.
Melbourne is reportedly under pressure to meet the Dally M Medal winner’s demand of a seven-figure contract, after the loss of legends Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk.
NRL legend Cameron Smith’s refusal to resign could see his teammates kicked off the Melbourne Storm
Centre Cheyse Blair, prop Patrick Kaufusi and veteran Sam Kasiano are reportedly being touted as players that could face the chop to ease salary cap pressure.
But centre Curtis Scott he hadn’t heard about any plans about Storm players being kicked from the team.
‘That’s the first I’ve heard of it – I hope it’s not me,’ said Scott.
The Storm are back into pre-season training following their grand final defeat by the Sydney Roosters of 21-6.
Melbourne is under pressure to meet the Dally M Meal winner’s demand of a seven-figure contract
The Storm are back into pre-season training following their grand final defeat by the Sydney Roosters of 21-6
The 21-year-old, who hoped to use the pre-season to add some more bulk to his 87kg frame, said it was business as usual with Smith absent.
‘He doesn’t normally come back until after Christmas so it’s pretty normal at the moment,’ he said.
Prop Christian Welch has said the devastating grand final loss against the roosters but would provide motivation through the pre-season.
‘It’s such a long year to get to the grand final and to perform like that … it’s certainly motivating for us to start the pre-season well and get through our work,’ he said.
The father-of-three has been married to his high schools sweet heart Barbara in 2011 after teasing her as a footy-loving skinny teenager in Year 10 at Logan City’s Marsden High School.
With the loss of Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater, Smith would be the only remaining member of the ‘big three’ in Melbourne.
The father-of-three has been married to his high school sweetheart Barbara since 2011