Storm Origin rookie still flying
high

Melbourne Storm and Queensland hooker Cameron Smith is still on cloud nine following his dazzling State of Origin debut last night for Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.

The 20-year-old was among the Maroons best playing 70 minutes, picking up a try and amassing no less than 39 tackles in a performance reminiscent of his form with Melbourne so far this year.

Ironically Smith will line-up against many of his Queensland teammates this Sunday when the sixth-placed Storm take on the third-placed Brisbane Broncos at Olympic Park (2.30pm).

Despite losing the Origin series 2-1 to New South Wales, Smith believes the enormity of last night?s match will be etched in his memory forever.

?I still can?t quite believe how well everything panned out to be honest, it?s unbelievable really,? Smith said.

?I didn?t really expect to be in a State of Origin side this soon and then to beat the Blues on debut in front of my home crowd and grab a try as well, it?s all come together at once.

?I didn?t see it as the last game of the series I saw it as an Origin match that was there to be won, I really didn?t want NSW to win three nil.?

Smith revealed a weeklong agreement amongst the QLD camp had laid the platform for last night?s victory.

?It was great the way the team played, we all agreed over and over again during the week that we needed to play for a bit of pride and I think it really showed.

?To get such a big win up against the Blues under those circumstances was testament to that.?

The former Junior Kangaroo believes his own game will significantly benefit after packing down with the best rugby league players in the world.

?A game like that certainly gives you a bit of experience and with the pace being so fast it helps your own game,? the Storm rake explained.

?You pick up a bit of leadership that you can then bring back to your own club, it gives you a lot more confidence knowing that you?ve played against the best that?s on offer.?

Smith admits that the prospect of rounding out the biggest week of his life with a win over competition powerhouse Brisbane is tantalising.

?A few of the (QLD) boys were geeing me up about Sunday?s match and I asked them to go easy on me which they definitely won?t be,? he quipped.

?To play with the Maroons boys and get a win with them and then finish off the week with a win over the Broncos down in Melbourne would be especially satisfying.?

Smith, along with Storm and NSW prop Robbie Kearns, pulled up fine following last night?s match and will be fit to backup for Sunday?s clash.

?I?ve got the usual bumps and bruises and I?m certainly a lot more tired than I would be after a club game but I?m looking forward to getting on with it on Sunday,? Smith added.

STORM TRAINING THIS WEEK:

Saturday: Olympic Park, 10am

For further information contact

James Avery: Phone (03) 9421 3222 Mobile: 0411 623 024 javery@melbournestorm.com.au