Storm put stamp on Lightning’s debut year

CAMERON Smith already sees the unmistakeable Melbourne Storm DNA in the Sunshine Coast Lightning.

The NRL powerhouse and the University of the Sunshine Coast are the major backers of the Lightning who will go into Saturday’s Suncorp Super Netball grand final against GWS at Boondall as slight favourites.

The Storm and Lightning squads have crossed paths a number of times in 2017 and the Melbourne, Queensland and Australian rugby league captain said the netball side has seamlessly slotted into the club’s famed culture.

“If you are going to be a part of the Storm or any of the teams under our banner, you need to be a good person with the right values and you need to work hard,’’ Smith said.

“That’s what those girls have done all year and it’s why they are in the grand final.

“I’ve spent a little bit of time with them and you can tell they are a very special group who are very tight-knit.

“They have wonderful leaders within their playing group who have been at the top of the game for a while and a worldclass coaching staff who have created a great environment.

“When you bring all those qualities together, you give yourself a chance for success.’’

Much like Melbourne’s legendary spine of Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk, the Lightning have some of the game’s elite in key positions, with Geva Mentor (defence), Laura Langman (midcourt) and goal shooter Caitlin Bassett providing the backbone.

The Storm qualified for the finals in their first season in 1998 and won the NRL title in 1999 and the Lightning have continued that tradition by making the decider in their first campaign.

Smith, Storm coach Craig Bellamy and a number of Melbourne players were at Margaret Court Arena for the Sunshine Coast’s major semifinal win over the Vixens, which sealed a grand final spot.

“They were up against the minor premiers and away from home but they were there to win,” Smith said.