Melbourne captain Cameron Smith has thrown his support behind the idea of player trade deals in the NRL, saying we will probably start to see more of it in rugby league.

Smith’s comments to foxsports.com.au came in response to news breaking last week of the Storm and Tigers negotiating a one-year swap of respective players Harry Grant and Paul Momirovksi.

Grant, 21, is one of the brighest young hookers in the game and has long been considered the heir to Smith’s No.9 jersey in the Victorian capital.

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Round 19

The Tigers are in need of a genuine rake with Jacob Liddle returning from injury and Josh Reynolds in the midst of a court case.

Melbourne are looking for some depth in the outside backs since the exit of Will Chambers and Curtis Scott over the off-season, hence their interest in Momirovksi.

The one-year swap deal is somewhat of a radical and unique concept in Australian rugby league but Smith is a fan of the idea.

“I don’t mind the concept. Obviously it needs to be the right thing for both clubs, whenever a transfer or a loan is on offer,” Smith told foxsports.com.au.

Grant has had a taste of NRL footy at the Storm, but with Smith deciding to play again in 2020 the younger rake would struggle for a spot in the team.

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The Tigers will likely be able to give Grant plenty of experience in an NRL team throughout the season, and Melbourne’s hope is the young hooker returns to the Storm next year ready to slot into the first grade side.

“In Harry’s case, he is all for it given he gets the opportunity to get some experience,” Smith said.

“In the long term looking to play his career back at Melbourne... I know it’s a bit strange because it’s never happened before in our game, and it would be a little bit different if he was to play first grade this year and we had to play against him.

“But for him, just speaking to him over the last couple of weeks, it’s more about the opportunity to gain experience to then come back and play first grade at Melbourne.

“It’s a very different one, but at the moment I think that’s what he feels is best for him, and if it’s the right fit for our club as well with the transfer of another player then I think it’s a good thing for the game.”

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Grant is considered by many good judges as the best young hooker not playing full-time NRL yet.

He and Brandon Smith are waiting in the wings to grab the No.9 jumper once Cameron Smith retires from the game.

And the veteran is making sure his jersey is left in safe hands.

“Harry is just a competitor. He’s extremely fit, he works really hard at training. He’s still plenty of development in him in terms of his skills and the way he reads the game,” Smith said.

“That’s part of the enjoyment I’ve had in the last couple of years is working with guys like him and Brandon Smith, trying to help those guys along and offer advice wherever I can.

“The thing I’ve been really impressed with those two guys in particular is they are always looking to be better, they’re not afraid to come and ask questions. If they need advice or want advice they come up and ask me questions.

“I think for both of those guys, and Brandon in particular has showed his capabilities over the last 18 months.

“We’re pretty fortunate to have those two guys doing their time, waiting to get the starting spot at the Storm.”

The Tigers and Storm are yet to confirm the swap deal.