Storm plan to keep using Smith in dual roles
Brandon Smith has again underlined his desire to play hooker but Storm coach Craig Bellamy has made it clear he plans to start Harry Grant in the dummy half role if Cameron Smith quits.
Bellamy has said Brandon Smith is also ‘‘very effective’’ at the loose forward role, and he intends utilise him ‘‘in both roles’’ if the Kiwis international stays with the Storm for the 2021 season.
Smith is training with the NRL premiers, but he wants to specialise as a hooker and the Melbourne club has agreed to release him if it can receive a comparable talent in exchange.
The Gold Coast Titans, Canterbury Bulldogs, Brisbane Broncos and Wests Tigers have all reportedly expressed interest in Smith as a hooker, but none has been able to tempt Bellamy with a suitable player in return.
Grant, who won the Dally M rookie of the year award during his loan spell at Wests Tigers in 2020, is also back with the Storm and looks to have the inside edge for the No 9 jumper if Cameron Smith retires, as expected.
Bellamy told The Herald Sun the starting hooker decision would be a tough call.
‘‘Brandon I think prefers to play as hooker, but he just gives you so much in his other position as well. I’d like to think he’d play a bit of both, but I think Harry will spend the most of his time at dummy half. Brandon is a dummy half as well, but he is a very effective when he plays that other role as well.’’
That will hardly be music to Brandon Smith’s ears after the 25-yearold reiterated his desire to focus on playing hooker.