Melbourne Storm hooker Brandon Smith is set to hit a milestone 100 NRL and Storm games Thursday night against the Manly Sea Eagles.
Born and raised in Waiheke Island, New Zealand, Smith began his rugby league journey playing juniors with the Waiheke Rams and Bay Roskill Young Guns before moving to Townsville to play for the Cowboys in the National Youth Competition.
Named as Hooker in the 2016 Holden Team of the Year, Smith went on to join Melbourne in 2017.
Scoring his first try in his debut first-grade match in Round 13 against the Knights, Smith didn’t take long to make an impact at the top level. Featuring in Storm’s 2018 World Club Challenge triumph, the hooker quickly showed his determination and versatile nature on field going on to make 18 appearances that season, alongside the Club’s Billy Slater Rookie of the Year Medal. Smith followed up by winning the 2019 Dally M Interchange Player of the Year.
A proud Maori man deeply tied to his culture, Smith has gone on to represent New Zealand on the international stage. Lining up in the 2019 and 2020 Maori All Stars Squad, scoring two tries in the latter match, Smith also earned the Preston Cambell Medal.
Boasting an impressive 79.8% win percentage, the New Zealand native has racked up 20 tries, 8,651 total run meters and 2,300 tackles throughout his first-grade career. 2021 saw the forward reach new heights in his best season so far, scoring 11 tries, his second Melbourne Storm Best Forward honour and the Dally M Hooker of the Year award.
With a persevering and feisty play style, Smith’s heart shines through in his cheeky personality and deep love for fans.
Brandon Smith
99 NRL Games
20 Tries
2020 Premiership
2018 International Test – New Zealand
2018 World Club Challenge
2019 International Test – New Zealand
2020 Premiership
2021 International Test – New Zealand
2018 Billy Slater Rookie of the Year Medal
2019 Dally M Interchange Player of the Year
2020 Melbourne Storm Best Forward of the Year
2020 Preston Cambell Medal
2021 Melbourne Storm Best Forward of the Year
2021 Dally M Hooker of the Year