Brandon Smith's future at Melbourne Storm in 2022 is still in question with the controversial star set to have face-to-face meetings with club officials this week.
The New Zealand international, whose contract in Melbourne expires at the end of the 2022 NRL season, shocked the Storm with a controversial podcast interview that revealed he was likely to join Sydney Roosters in 2023, while also alleging his current club had a 'massive drinking culture'.
Since, the Storm have confirmed Smith will be leaving the club at the end of his deal, with the Roosters likely to be announced as his destination in the near future.
Smith has since apologised for this comments via a club statement but speculation about his future in 2022 is swirling with a suggestion the 25-year-old might not finish his contract in Melbourne.
Storm general football manager Frank Ponissi admitted Smith's future at the club next season was uncertain and it would depend on a series of upcoming meetings, plus the player's attitude during pre-season.
"Brandon's just arrived back into Melbourne over the weekend - he starts officially tomorrow and then we'll have a chat," Ponissi told 3AW's Sportsday.
He is contracted to the club and if he wants to really be here and can show he wants to be here, this is where his future will be.
It's easy having one or two meetings - he has to show it over a period of time.
"There was a lot of disappointed people and thankfully no more disappointed than in himself for the comments that he made."
Several rumours have emerged about Smith's future with a report suggesting the Storm were looking to swap the hooker with Wests Tigers forward Stefano Utoikamanu.
However, Ponissi categorically denied the Storm had initiated discussions about Smith with any club, but hinted that some teams may have approached them.
"There is a lot of speculation going around," Ponissi said. "Crazy speculation about swapping and those types of things.
"Ultimately we just let it ride and just clear our emotions and waited for Brandon to come back.
"We didn't approach them (Wests Tigers). I can guarantee we approached no club.
"When you're in that position, people think you're vulnerable and potentially other clubs contacted.
"We just have to take a deep breath. It's been a very very disappointing week.
"We just have to sit down with the player in person rather than over the phone or by text and have a conversation with him."
