SMITH WRESTLES ISSUE

FED-UP Storm skipper Cameron Smith has hit out at critics of Melbourne’s playing style as Queensland legend Gorden Tallis accused NRL rivals of being “jealous” of the Storm’s success.

Smith admits he is sick and tired of entering finals campaigns with a dark cloud of sus- picion over Melbourne’s tactics – 14 years after the Storm were first embroiled in the grapple-tackle saga.

In a spicy prelude to the Storm-Eels qualifying final this Saturday night, Parramatta coach Brad Arthur, a former Melbourne employee, suggested Craig Bellamy’s troops would attempt smothering tactics during the finals.

Arthur’s sentiments triggered a stinging riposte from Bellamy, who vowed to contact NRL referees boss Tony Archer, claiming Parramatta were more culpable of WrestleMania-style techniques to slow the play-the-ball.

Criticism of the Storm has lingered since their last premiership win in 2012, when they were accused of stifling tactics at the ruck, and Smith is miffed by suggestions they use underhanded methods.

“We’re a bit frustrated because every finals series we enter into, there’s always something said about the way we play,” Smith said.

“Craig (Bellamy) looks at vision of all teams throughout the NRL ... if Craig makes those comments (about the Eels’ wrestling tactics), I dare say he wouldn’t be too far off the mark.”

This season, the Storm have the best attack in the league, scoring a whopping 633 points, prompting former Broncos skipper Tallis to launch a passionate defence of the minor premiers.

“The others are just jealous,” Tallis said.