NRL Fan Favourite Brandon Smith Will Remain With the Melbourne Storm

Melbourne Storm fans, we come bearing good news.

Brandon Smith will definitely be staying with the Melbourne Storm for next season, the hooker has confirmed.

The man simply known as 'The Cheese' also shared some other exciting news that head coach Craig Bellamy will also be staying on at the Storm.

There was speculation that both 'The Cheese' and Bellamy would part ways with the reigning Premiers at the end of this season, but fan favourite Smith has now put that chat firmly to bed.

"I will be at the Melbourne Storm next year, 100 per cent," Smith said.

PA

"I can't leave that contract. I have spoken to (Storm general manager of football) Frank Ponissi and my contract is solid for next year. That is my future.

"If (clubs) want to make an inquiry it is for 2023."

And when asked about his coach's situation, Smith made no secret of the winning culture that Bellyache has instilled within the Storm - something that he might not want to throw away too quickly.

"I think he will be," Smith added.

"He is on a fair wicket and you wouldn't want to give it up, would you?

"Whatever we are doing at the Melbourne Storm we are doing something right. Craig knows how to get the best out of his players.

"It (Melbourne's success) is obviously due to the coaching staff. It is not about the players that represent the jersey but about the mindset we have when we represent the jersey.

"Obviously, a lot of teams train differently and they have a playing style, but we are very effort orientated.

"There is that famous saying 'the harder you work, the luckier you get'. At the Melbourne Storm that is instilled in us real early."

As for Bellamy himself, he didn't give too much away.

"I don't know yet," he said.

"I think the club and team will be fine if I am not there. We have systems in place. I am confident, whether I am there or not, that this club will go on fine.

"These players, since the Big Three retired, have taken on a lot of responsibility as well, and it (the transition) has probably been a bit smoother than I thought it would be.

"I have got a role to play, a job to do and I do it the best I can."

Topics: Craig Bellamy, Melbourne Storm, Rugby League, nrl, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry