Melbourne Storm Captain Cameron Smith believes a good showing from his side this weekend is important in the lead up to the 2014 season.
Storm face Canterbury-Bankstown at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday in the club's final hit out of pre-season with Smith named to line-up for his first hit out of the season.
"It's great, I'm certainly excited to be playing my first game of this season," Smith said.
"I think its really important for the club (Sunday's trial match) given we have had a bit of turnover, particularly in our halves.
"Its really important that we go out and play well. Most of the guys have had a run now in the first trial against Canberra and at the Nines on the weekend, so they have a bit of match time under their belt.
"We want to make sure we are playing well going into Round 1."
Alongside Smith, Billy Slater, Bryan Norrie and Ryan Hinchcliffe have also been named to step out for their first match of the year. Storm playmaker Cooper Cronk has not been selected in Craig Bellamy's squad, however the halfback's progress from a shoulder injury is coming along well according to Smith.
"He's been doing a lot of hard work with his rehab, he's certainly very fit, he's doing extras, running out here after our sessions," Smith said.
"He's looked after himself really well over the break.
"He's confident, he's on track, we're only a couple of weeks away now so fingers crossed he'll be there."
