Cameron Smith warns of Sydney Roosters early blitz
Melbourne defensive structure is legend — but it will count for little if the Storm can’t stop the Roosters from racing out of the blocks in Saturday night’s preliminary final at the SCG.
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Cameron Smith has warned of the perils of Melbourne Storm giving Sydney Roosters a start in Saturday night’s preliminary final.
The premier Roosters have proven to be formidable frontrunners this season and especially at the SCG where the hosts hold a 9-1 record.
“It’s a really hard thing to do (chase points) this time of year,” Smith said.
“If you get stuck in the blocks and let the other team get out really hard, and particularly if they score points, its hard to peg back.
“If you’re playing against a side like the Roosters, who are a really good defensive side, it’s really hard to score.”
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Storm made the adjustment last week — belting Parramatta Eels 32-0 — after struggling to find any sort of rhythm in week one against Canberra Raiders.
Smith said Storm will need to “step up” again to match the reigning premiers.
“They’re not going to give us too many opportunities,” Smith said. “So when you get them you need to make the most of them.”
Storm completed a series of opposed match simulation drills at Olympic Park on Tuesday.
Stars Suliasi Vunivalu (soreness) and Felise Kaufusi (soreness) trained away from the main group, while playmaker Jahrome Hughes’ right knee was heavily strapped.
Out-of-sorts veteran Will Chambers stepped in at training for Vunivalu.
Smith said Chambers still has a role to play for Storm despite being dropped to the bench.
“He adds value to our team and that’s why he was on the bench,” Smith said.
“He covers pretty much every position in the outside backs and you can throw him in the middle.
“He’s done it before so having that versatility adds value to you being in the footy side and if need be that’s why he’ll be there for (coach) Craig (Bellamy) to put him on.”
The Storm and Origin stalwart has also been linked to a possible return to rugby union.
“I haven’t spoken to Will about it and the decisions he has to make,” Smith said.
After starting his career with Melbourne in 2007, Chambers spent two years playing union, at the Queensland Reds and also Irish giants Munster, before returning to the Storm.
Storm named an unchanged 17 man starting squad for the preliminary final, with
Joe Stimson, Marion Seve, Sandor Earl and Tino Faasuamaleaui on the extended bench.
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