Storm on to Sharks’ plans for Smith
MELBOURNE: Melbourne is on high alert for Cronulla to target skipper Cameron Smith in its NRL grand final qualifier, simulating the Sharks’ ruck tactics at training this week.
The Sharks made their intentions clear early this week when coach Shane Flanagan said the way to beat the Storm in tonight’s AAMI Park clash was to ‘‘attack their leader’’.
Cronulla, as well as a soaring penalty count, got under the skin of Smith in the teams’ round four match, culminating with the Storm captain being sinbinned for dissent, the first timeout in his NRL career.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy said the Sharks were welcome to try to unsettle Smith again.
‘‘The Sharks saying they’re going to go after Cameron Smith — what else is new?’’ Bellamy said yesterday.
‘‘Cameron hasn’t played almost 400 NRL games without getting targeted? I reckon he will handle that OK and that will give us a couple of other opportunities in other situations.’’
While the Storm has long been criticised for its wrestling tactics at the ruck, it believes the Sharks are flouting the rules on markers and it has been training this week in preparation.
Rather than standing square immediately in front of the playtheball with the second player directly behind, their markers have been standing side by side, which prevents Smith running from dummy half.
Despite reports that its longtime leader had put pen to paper, Smith said this week he and the Storm were still finalising the deal that would result in his playing on for an 18th season.
The game is the last in Melbourne and, dependent on the result, could be the final hurrah for the superstar.
Meanwhile, Paul Gallen has been ruled out of tonight’s match with a shoulder injury.
Gallen was in a race against the clock to take part in the match after being injured in last week’s win over Penrith, before the pin was pulled last night.
‘‘While the improvement in the condition of his shoulder had been considerable over the past few days, the Friday kick off will come too soon for the Sharks skipper,’’ Cronulla said. — AAP