Trial form will be a big factor at the selection table for Melbourne’s Round 1 line-up with just two weeks until Storm meet the Bulldogs in their season opener.
Speaking to the local media upon arrival in Hobart for Storm’s final Trial match of pre-season, Cameron Smith highlighted the importance Saturday’s match at North Hobart Oval will play.
“From our club’s point of view this is where we get a look at lot of the guys that are going to be favourites for that first round game,” Smith said.
“Craig has always placed a fair bit of importance on our last trial match.”
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The vacant five-eighth position is one that has caused much discussion and debate among the rugby league community over the pre-season with Smith admitting youngster Cameron Munster had impressed in the role at training.
“Cameron Munster has done a fair bit of work in the number six jersey over the pre-season and he’s actually trained really well there,” Smith said.
"We get an opportunity to see a couple of other blokes tomorrow for sure.
"Brodie Croft has performed well in the Nines, he went quite good last week as well against the Warriors.
“If Cameron (Munster) performs well there against the Bulldogs then he’ll probably play there in Round 1.”
Melbourne last visited Hobart in 2012 with a strong crowd of over 12,000 turning out to see Storm defeat the Broncos in a pre-season fixture.
“The best part about coming down here in 2012 was the support not only for our Club but for the game as well,” Smith said.
“It’s nice to see so many people there supporting the match.”
