THE Broncos are putting together a $3.3 million package - the richest deal in the club's 26-year history - to secure Test captain Cameron Smith until the end of 2017.

The Sunday Mail can reveal the Broncos have agreed to pursue Smith after months of talking about whether to formally approach the Storm hooker.

In a move that will have Melbourne chiefs nervous, the Broncos will flex their financial muscle, tabling a club-record three-year deal worth around $1.1 million annually.

It would make Smith the highest-paid player in Brisbane's history, eclipsing ex-skipper Darren Lockyer, who earned around $700,000 in his twilight years at Red Hill.

Storm officials will fight hard to retain Smith, who turns 31 next June, although Brisbane insiders are confident their package will lure the Queensland ace home in 2015.

Well-placed sources say Smith's expected move to the Broncos - which will include the captaincy - is all but a done deal.

There was a slim possibility Smith could have been at Brisbane as early as next season, but he is committed to honouring the final year of his Melbourne deal.

While the Storm are battling salary cap pressures, the Broncos will top-up Smith's base offer with a marquee player payment and third-party deals sourced from major Brisbane corporate organisations.

Aiding the Broncos' pursuit is incremental salary cap increases. The NRL's payment ceiling will rise from $5.85 million this year to $6.3 million in 2014 and $6.55 million the following year, giving Brisbane an extra $700,000 in its budget.

Broncos coach Anthony Griffin was tight-lipped about the club's interest in Smith.

"I have nothing to say about Cameron Smith. I'm focused on next season," Griffin said.

Smith will make a definitive call when he returns from Australia's World Cup campaign but has consistently baulked at pledging his future to Melbourne beyond 2014.

He has previously stated the needs of wife Barbara and their three children would be paramount.

"This decision is almost purely based on family and what's best for our family," Smith said when asked about his future. "It comes down to the decision on what's best for family. It won't be about money. It's a pretty big decision and I know a fair few people are keen to hear what it's going to be."

Legendary prop Glenn Lazarus is widely regarded as Brisbane's finest recruit after the 1988 first class that included Wally Lewis and Allan Langer. But Smith's potential signing could trump him.

Former Test hooker Kerrod Walters, named in Brisbane's greatest grand final team, backed the club's big-money play for Smith.

"He would be one of the biggest signings in the club's history. He would be worth every cent," Walters said.

"I feel a bit for Andrew McCullough because he is a good young player but when someone like Cameron Smith becomes available, you have to go all out to get him.

"Not only does he give you great presence on the field, off the field he is the perfect ambassador for any club.

"I'm not sure if Cameron alone can bring a premiership to Brisbane, but it would certainly be a huge step in the right direction.

"The Broncos haven't won a comp for seven years so the club needs to act and Cameron Smith would be the perfect signing."