Smith set to confirm future as Storm roster surgery continues

Storm champion Cameron Smith is poised to suit up for a 19th NRL season as the club's salary cap surgery continues.

While already contracted for 2020, Smith's future has been the subject of conjecture given his public doubts about playing on after Melbourne's finals exit this year.

After a six-week break following the end of his 2019 playing commitments, Smith has been re-energised and spoke positively about continuing his outstanding career into next season.

He plans to consult with coach Craig Bellamy ahead of what is expected to be a tailored pre-season return.

"I haven't spoken to Craig officially about next year; we've had some discussions about the way I've pulled up from the season just gone and where I'm at, at the moment, with my thoughts on next year," .

"I must say I feel a lot better than I did a week or two weeks after we finished up.

"It takes a little bit to get over that disappointment, I guess more so now being older and knowing that the chances are running out.

"But I feel a lot better now about playing on next year and this will be a good chance to see what his thoughts are and we will go from there today."

Meanwhile, Melbourne centre Curtis Scott will weigh up a move to Canberra after meeting with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart last week.

Scott has two years remaining on his contract at the Storm but pan66.com understands the club is willing to release the 22-year-old if a rival club is able to cover his salary for 2020 and 2021.

Melbourne have been juggling their salary cap for some time since the end of the season, with Will Chambers released to Japanese rugby and Brodie Croft also granted permission to look elsewhere.

At this stage Croft is slated to remain at the Storm but may yet link with Brisbane if they too can free up salary cap space to fit him in for next season.

The Storm have several rising stars headlined by Ryan Papenhuyzen in line for contract upgrades for 2020 and beyond, with forwards Kenny Bromwich, Tui Kamikamica and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui among those coming off contract this year.

Representative mainstays Felise Kaufusi and Jesse Bromwich also have two-year player options for 2021 and 2022 that are yet to be taken up.