A lucrative Newcastle offer may force North Queensland prop Matt Scott to abandon his dream of being a one-club NRL player.
But Test skipper Cameron Smith reckons no player would judge the Kangaroos hardman if he left his beloved Cowboys for the Knights' big bucks.
Cowboys co-captain Scott - 32 in July - is considering a three-year Newcastle deal from 2018 reportedly worth almost $3 million.
In contrast, it is believed North Queensland have tabled a two-year, $1.2 million contract extension for the inspirational forward.
Scott recently told reporters he was "not tied down" to the Cowboys as he mulled over the Knights deal.
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Smith knows all about the privilege of being a one-club player.
The Melbourne skipper - off-contract in 2018 - is set to start and finish his career at the Storm.
But Smith had no problem with Cowboys favourite Scott exploring his options.
"It would be ideal to finish as a one-club player but he has a young family and a second child on the way," Smith said of Queensland teammate Scott.
"If he is getting offers from other clubs significantly higher than what the Cowboys are offering I don't see why he can't look at that.
"I don't think any player would begrudge him if he changed clubs."
Newcastle have already poached Cowboys' NRL prodigy Kalyn Ponga on a lucrative deal from 2018.
Smith said Scott's heart wanted to stay in North Queensland but his head may say something different after contemplating the Knights offer.
"He'd love to stay a one-club player, there's no doubt about that," Smith said.
"But you have to look after yourself first.
"The game is a business and clubs look after their best interests as well - Scotty will do the same.
"I hope it all pans out for him."
