The Melbourne Storm boast one of the NRL’s top halves pairings with Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes. However, as they approach the age of 30, attention has turned to finding their potential successors.
Following Cooper Cronk’s departure and the aging of their current halves, the club made a strategic decision to invest in young playmakers. In recent seasons, they have recruited Jonah Pezet and Tyran Wishart from the Knights and Dragons, respectively.
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Yet, as Pezet and Wishart vie for the role of primary backup playmaker at the NRL level, a young halfback has been quietly making his mark in the junior ranks. Keagan Russell-Smith, the reigning Melbourne Storm Academy Player of the Year, is set to make his debut in the NSW Cup this weekend for the North Sydney Bears against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Russell-Smith, formerly the club’s Jersey Flegg captain, joined the Storm from the Penrith Panthers. During his time with the Panthers, he was part of their SG Ball Cup 2022 Premiership-winning team, where he formed a formidable halves partnership with Isaiya Katoa. Katoa has since moved on to The Dolphins and made his NRL debut last season.
“He’s a special kid,” remarked star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen about the youngster.
“He’s the type of player who’s constantly seeking knowledge, very receptive to coaching, eager to learn, and I genuinely believe those are the qualities required to excel as a rugby league player.
“We have some exceptional talents emerging, and he’s certainly among them.”
Russell-Smith emerged as the leading point-scorer in the Jersey Flegg Cup last season, and his progression is expected to continue as he debuts in the NSW Cup competition this season with the Bears.
A pivotal asset in the team’s attack, he has already showcased his impact at the Storm, attributed to his strong work ethic and receptiveness to guidance from seasoned players like Australian Kangaroo Cameron Munster and New Zealand Kiwi Jahrome Hughes.
“Keeg’s is a young talent with immense potential, and I believe he’s someone worth keeping a close watch on,” remarked Tyran Wishart to Zero Tackle.
“I believe he originally hails from Penrith juniors, but since joining us, he’s proven himself to be a dedicated worker and trainer. If you observe him closely, you’ll notice his ability to deliver exceptional performances, all while learning from the likes of Munster and Hughes.
“He’s rapidly improving, which is great to see and great to play alongside.
“That’s the kind of teammate you want.”
Keagan has not only garnered admiration from his peers but also received commendation from Melbourne Storm Pathways coach and former NRL winger Matt Duffie during the club’s awards ceremony last year.
“What impresses me about Keagan is his focus on defense and his kicking game. He’s incredibly resilient, never letting his teammates down, and consistently puts his body on the line to make tackles,” Duffie remarked.
“He’s fearless, always active in the game, and maintains a high level of consistency. Despite his young age, he leads the team as captain, striving to elevate everyone’s performance. Keagan possesses tremendous potential and embodies the qualities of a true Storm player.”
