Smith returned to training this week after an extended break and the club is preparing for a media conference on Thursday which would end months of uncertainty surrounding the former Australian captain's future.

It's believed 35-year-old Smith wanted a two-year deal and the club preferred a one-year contract, contributing to the delay. He has also travelled extensively during the break, spending time overseas and in far north Queensland.

Preparing for his 18th season - all with the same club - Smith is set to become the first player to play 400 NRL games. He is currently on a record 384 games.

Turning 36 in June, Smith is the second-oldest player in the competition behind Cronulla's Paul Gallen.

Smith only missed one Storm match last season, having retired from representative football, and coach Craig Bellamy was vocal about his importance to the club, particularly with superstar fullback Billy Slater retiring after the 2018 grand final defeat.

Australian Associated Press