One of the best times to be a Rugby League fan is when a supremely talented and popular player comes off-contract.
Every fan builds a case for his/her team on social media, making it obvious why player x should join their club. Always seems obvious.
Few players in the league are as highly regarded by teammates, opponents and fans quite like the man affectionately known as 'cheese', Brandon Smith.
The Storm utility is a hard-working and extremely talented player on the field, and one of the funniest likeable characters off it.
Simply put, there isn't a team nor fan who wouldn't want Smith running out for them.
Below we look at the five most likely landing spots for the hooker turn second rower turn prop turn utility turn whatever he sets his mind to.
For the purpose of this we're going to assume that an expansion team hasn't been approved for 2023. Of course any theoretical inclusion would be linked to each and every off contract player.
As with previous lists, let's put the boring one out there first up. There's a very good chance Smith will remain at the all-conquering Melbourne Storm.
Smith has shown the abilities to play anywhere. He has started at prop on more than one occasion. He is also a world class player and way above a 'fill in' for the likes of Harry Grant.
Equally at home in the second row, at hooker or coming off the bench, Smith is a Storm quality player through and through.
He would have to take a hit to the back pocket in regards to how much he is worth if he stays at the Storm, but remaining in the Melbourne system all but guarantees him future success.
Until he actually signs a contract elsewhere I don't believe a single word that he could leave Melbourne.
This will come down to what Smith wants to achieve in the short term. Sit tight, fill in and chase more premiership glory, or become first choice elsewhere and try to bring down the mighty Melbourne storm.
The links have reportedly begun. Allegedly, the Roosters brass have already discussed Smith as being the perfect replacement for Cordner or Friend.
News that the Roosters are interested, regardless of truth to said reports, will worry all other clubs in the race. The Roosters don't often miss out on players they really want.
The Chooks have lost a host of senior stars in Cordner, Friend, and Morris. I'm not 100% sure how this leaves the Roosters cap, however they always find a way.
Sam Verrills looks a very good option at the nine long-term, but if Smith is available he is their first choice. I can't see him jumping ahead of Angus Crichton or Sitili Tupouniua in terms of second row options, so I believe the number nine will be the answer should he decide on Bondi.
The Tri-colours present the most "like for like" option if Smith decides to leave the Storm. They're close to another title tilt and have a similar coaching set up.
Hard not to regard the Roosters in being right in the race should he decide to make the move north to Sydney.
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The Titans are in the midst of an aggressive rebuild and are probably two or three pieces away from a genuine top four tilt.
They need a half and a hooker as a matter of priority. Brandon Smith immediately helps round out their side. He transforms them from an entertaining fringe finals side into the real deal.
The Titans need to go all in here. Reports indicate they well, and possibly have in the past. I would be shocked if they don't go massive for the New Zealand international.
Can you imagine Smith playing 60-80 minutes at rake and shifting the ball to Fifita, Tino, Brimson and Kelly. Phwoar.
Smith solves half the Titans' issues in the single squiggle of a pen.
This is a chase Gold Coast need to complete if they're serious about a run at the premiership.
Brandon Smith has all the skills to become a genuine legend for New Zealand ... both club and country.
He has represented the Kiwi national side seven times. I seem to remember him causing more than a few issues for the Kangaroos.
With the Warriors hopefully heading home in 2022, this could be a massive homecoming for both the player and the club.
Smith would easily walk into the Warriors as their first choice number nine, giving them a marquee signing right away and providing an amazing story.
There is absolutely everything to love here. Smith could become a new major star in the market whilst returning home and leading his new club back to the finals.
The Warriors have the jersey, they have the salary cap space and they have the opportunity.
Smith would be provided with a starting spot, a contract his talents deserve and a leadership role he so very obviously is worthy of.
I'm not sure if the Warriors are interested but they certainly should be.
The Broncos are another side looking to quickly turn around their horror recent run of results. They've added Adam Reynolds, will be moving Kotoni Staggs into the halves and are actively chasing a big name fullback.
The Broncos don't currently have a first option at nine. Danny Levi is a talented player but has only made six appearances in 2021.
They've shown they're not scared to spend big and the one thing the Broncos can rely on where the others cant is huge third-party interest.
Truthfully I'm not 100% sure how these TPAs work but the Broncos seem to be the undisputed king of the arrangement.
If this comes down to pure dollars, Brisbane may lead the way following decisions to allow the likes of TPJ and Milford go.
Whether or not Smith is willing to go from the elite club in the competition into a full blown rebuild is the big question here.
Let us know below where you believe the superstar number nine will end up.