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.
3. Gold Coast Titans
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.
