Storm's Smith Secret to Spark Attack

Melbourne Storm are working on a secret plan for skipper Cameron Smith in 2019 that will help rejuvenate their attack in the absence of Billy Slater.

Picture Above: Storm Duo Cameron Smith and Brandon Smith following the 2018 Grand Final loss to the Sydney Roosters
(Source: NRL)

Melbourne officials have remained quiet about their plan for the captain, however it is understood that he will be playing out of his incumbent hooker position at times throughout 2019.

It is understood that Storm officials are looking at using Smith as a ball-playing lock or as an extra half while Brandon Smith take on the hooker role.

While it won’t change his defensive load, Smith’s experience sitting behind the ruck and directing play may just ease the pressure on Cameron Munster as he looks to continue his 2018 form.

Kiwi hooker Brandon Smith has been informed that he will get an opportunity to spend some time at hooker off the bench this year, but the Storm won’t want their captain off the field unless the result is all but set in stone.

It’s why coach Craig Bellamy is tinkering with numbers of options to utilise the Former Australian and Queensland representative.

In previous seasons, Brandon Smith has come on as an extra forward, but 2019 might just be the year for him to take on the hooker role.

With Cameron signing for another two years, the Storm don’t want Brandon to be cast aside and have him consider leaving Melbourne.

Should this plan be implemented, it will keep Brandon happy, lessen Cameron’s workload and provide spark to the Storm attack.

“I’ve been training at hooker for a bit and he’s been sitting out,” Brandon said.

“Hopefully I get a little shot (at hooker). I think it will all depend on how the game is going. If the games are tight I don’t think they are going to pull Cameron Smith off and pull me in.

“He’s getting older, he’s not looking it. He doesn’t feel it, I don’t think. They’ve said to me they want me to play a lot more hooker this year and if I get that opportunity I will take it with both hands.”