Melbourne Storm has kicked off negotiations with Australian captain Cameron Smith and by the start of next season is aiming to have him tied to the club for the rest of his career.

The NRL champion's new owners were asked about the retention of Smith at their introductory media conference on Tuesday, with chief executive Mark Evans saying he would leave the issue to the football department.

Sought after: Cameron Smith. Credit:Getty Images

Football manager Frank Ponissi told Fairfax Media that the process had begun. But Smith has admitted a return to Queensland at the end of next season is tempting.

''We have had some preliminary talks with Cameron, so yes, it's a process that has started,'' Ponissi said. ''So far, it's been very, very informal but without a shadow of a doubt, we want to retain him.