Melbourne lose Smith; Qld crowd under fire

CAMERON Smith is set to be sidelined for several weeks with a shoulder injury following Melbourne’s 26-16 win over Newcastle in a game that sparked online criticism.

The NRL and spectators came under fire for a perceived lack of social distancing on the eastern hill of the Sunshine Coast Stadium on Sunday.

However, it is understood five Queensland Health officials were on site monitoring the COVID-19 compliance and they raised no concerns with the venue manager.

Storm on Sunday night requested a review of the stadium’s COVID-19 guidelines.

Crowd numbers are expected to be reduced for Saturday’s game against Canterbury.

The attendance of 5437 on Sunday was inside the 50 per cent capacity approved by Queensland Health.

Even without Smith able to give his customary drive, Storm showed it was a force to be reckoned with.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy challenged his side to stand up in the absence of Smith, who could be sidelined for up to three weeks.

“Without a doubt (it will be a test) but everyone goes through injuries so we’ve got to learn to deal with it,” he said.

“He hasn’t missed many games and he’s had a great influence on our team.

“I’ve got a lot of confidence in Brandon (Smith) to come in and replace him and we just need to get the halves and the fullback to take more responsibility with communication.”

■ PARRAMATTA’S militarylike march towards the finals developed a limp on Sunday.

The Eels held on for an 18-16 win over Canterbury at ANZ Stadium but there were some concerning signs.

Down 18-0, the Bulldogs scored three successive tries to rattle the Eels and go agonisingly close to an upset win.

“It was like a morgue in the dressing sheds,” coach Brad Arthur said after the escape.