Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith says big three still have some great footy left in them
MELBOURNE Storm captain Cameron Smith has issued a warning to rivals prepared to write them off.
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MELBOURNE Storm skipper Cameron Smith has warned this year’s squad is stronger than the one that carried it through to last year’s preliminary final.
Smith is entering his ninth season as captain with Storm’s year to get underway against the Dragons at AAMI Park on Monday week.
This time 12 months ago, many critics were writing off Storm as premiership contenders due to its ageing “big three”’
The star hooker said he has heard less negative chatter this pre-season and he believed it was with good reason.
“I haven’t seen as much talk as last year, but there was a lot of talk then that our time was over,” Smith said.
“There’s always the talk about the age of some of the boys in the squad, but as far as we’re concerned we’ve still got great football left in our careers.
“And I believe our squad is stronger than it was last year.
“We’ve got a lot more depth, particularly in our forward pack, and overall we’re a better football side and it’s a matter of transferring that from the training paddock to the playing field now.”
Smith’s optimism for 2016 is a result of the fact most of the players have been in full training since late last year.
No Australian national duties at the end of last season have meant the likes of Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater, Will Chambers and Smith have enjoyed full pre-seasons.
Only New Zealand representatives Jesse Bromwich, Kevin Proctor and Tohu Harris were delayed in their return to club duties.
Off-field, speculation has swirled about the futures of both coach Craig Bellamy and Cronk.
Although, Bellamy is expected to confirm he will be staying for two more years before Round 1, while Cronk has also indicated his desire to remain at Storm.
Smith said the uncertainty surrounding the future of two of the club’s biggest figures have not affected the players at all.
“They’re just part and parcel of our game,” he said.
“We’ve gone through that numerous times over the past few years with some high-profile players.
“But those two guys are really professional and they’re dealing with their negotiations outside or away from the group.
“It hasn’t been a distraction at all and I can’t really fault out preparation so far, so I’d like to think that will make for a pretty successful season for us.”
Originally published as Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith says big three still have some great footy left in them
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