Kiwi Melbourne Storm star Brandon Smith is in hot water again, after an recent expletive-laden appearance on a podcast revealed his future contract plans.
Speaking on the YKTR Sports podcast, the NZ Kiwis international has signalled his intention to move to Sydney Roosters, when his contract with the Storm expires at the end of next season.
According to Sydney Morning Herald, Smith's comments have left Storm officials seething and the heavyweight club is now considering tearing up his deal a year early.
Further compounding the incident are Daily Telegraph reports that NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has asked the league's integrity unit to review the podcast and provide a report.
The NRL's primary focus is the language used by Smith, with several expletives used throughout the interview, which may result in a fine for bringing the game into disrepute.
The reigning Dally M Hooker of the Year was one of the most prized free agent targets, with several clubs - including NZ Warriors and newcomers Redcliffe Dolphins - already courting him for his services.
But Smith's confession he wants to win an NRL title in the Roosters jersey has likely put an end to that pursuit, admitting the announcement of his deal to join the Sydney glamour club is imminent.
"I was just looking at the Roosters jersey… going, 'I want to win a premiership in that jersey'," Smith says.
The Waiheke island-product describes his meeting with the Roosters as "mind-blowing".
"They spoke with so much passion about the club," Smith told YKTR Sports. "I think the best thing about the Roosters, bro, they are about your life, not your footy.
"They want you to be set for life. They don't want you to walk away with nothing from rugby league.
"They just pushed that."
Given he still has a year left on his Storm contract, Smith's comments have been regarded as disrespectful to his current club and coach Craig Bellamy.
In September, Smith was given a $50,000 suspended fine, removed from the club leadership group and suspended one match, when he and teammates were filmed partying with a mystery white substance, after losing to Penrith in the NRL preliminary final.
