Smith gone, Slater likely to fill void
September 25th 2008 10:18
It could be the defining moment in Cameron Smith's career and it could well be the final nail in the coffin of Melbourne's three year rein on the summit of the NRL.
Smith was ruled out for the rest of the 2008 season after failing to beat a grapple tackle charge received in last week's epic victory over the Brisbane Broncos.
The Storm hooker new deep down he was up against it, despite his club counting with the services of one of Sydney's premier lawyers.
Indeed Smith came out a very disappointed man after the hearing and knew his loss would cripple the Storm's chances against the Cronulla Sharks in their Preliminary final.
When Smith hasn't played for the Storm, Melbourne have lost sixty percent of their matches against their opposition.
His importance to the side is unquestionable. Smith's influence on the field is paramount to Melbourne's successes over the previous three seasons.
Smith's loss will leave the Storm feeling the pressure, just like the Wests Tigers do without Benji Marshall and the Newcastle Knights without former half Andrew Johns.
Although the Storm still have the bullets in their side to destroy the Sharks defence, Smith is the man that pulls the trigger and without him, halfback Cooper Cronk will be left to unleash the potency of the Melbourne backline.
There are rumours circling about that Billy Slater could end up taking Smith's position at hooker with Greg Inglis moving back to fullback and Matt Geyer coming into five-eighth.
Although Inglis and Geyer have proven their great worth in these respective positions, Slater at dummy half is a risk that could make or break Melbourne's game against Cronulla.
Earlier in the season, Knights fullback Kurt Gidley played hooker against the Penrith Panthers replacing Danny Buderus.
On that night, Gidley was superb and single handily steered the Knights to an upset victory over the Panthers at CUA stadium.
Slater needs to take a leaf out of Gidley's book if he finds himself replacing the shoes of Smith come Saturday night.
He will most probably switch to fullback when the Storm defend and play hooker when they are in possession of the football.
Either way, Slater could be installed as the glue that keeps the Storm's premiership aspirations alive for the next two weeks.
| 54 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
