Cam Smith: the Storm that never ends, plus two rising stars with a bright future

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2018 hasn't been a great year for Australian Rugby in general. What with the controversy of alleged sexual misconduct charges against Rugby players and the Wallabies' substandard performances throughout the year has dampened the mood overall. Let's hope that 2019 brings a renewed spirit to the sport.

The NRL season is being described as the most even in recent years. However things are not all doom and gloom ahead of the 2019 season. Good news for Melbourne Storm fans is that their Captain Smith has signed a two-year extension. But that does not help their odds against the Brisbane Broncos in the opening match which are set at 2.44 for the latter's victory.

Elsewhere, if you see Premier League football odds it looks like the fight will go right to the end. As a result it promises more rewards than the NRL for punters who are looking to benefit from their sports knowledge.

Cam Smith to pass 400 caps

Cam Smith is the prime example of club loyalty having played all his 384 professional matches for the Melbourne Storm. This will be his nineteenth NRL season and he is well set to cross a record setting 400 appearances for his club.

Handing him a new contract has been shrewd business by the club. Every team must have a veteran who has tons of experience and someone the younger players could look up to. He has various team honours to his name having won the NRL and World Cup twice each. Despite that he is very humble and a top class professional, a perfect role model for the youngsters.

NRL's next big thing Josh Thompson

He is the cousin of rugby player Jarryd Hayne, who has been charged with sexual assault, and has recently signed his first professional contract with Canberra Raiders ahead of the new season. Still a teenager Josh Thompson already weighs a huge 114kg meaning he will galvanize the Raiders' forward line.

Alex McKinnon, who unearthed the teenage giant while scouting for Newcastle Knights, has been full of praise for the youngster. He said that the skill and the physique to potentially become a top player are there. Moreover he emphasised Thompson is very agile for such a big guy. And his willingness to learn more will help him reach the top.

The whirlwind that is Jordan Petaia

In a recent interview Jordan Petaia identified running as his strength. His running game is what typifies him as a player. He has had an excellent year where he reached the NRC final with his club Queensland Reds which they lost to Fijian Drua. He also made his national team debut when the Wallabies toured to Europe in the final months of 2018.

He is another young and big player who is being touted to become a star in the future. Even though he plays in the defensive line he likes to make speedy runs into spaces to attack. If he continues his progress this year the Wallabies will have an exciting player on their hands ahead of the World Cup.