One of the Melbourne Storm’s most talented young players now has a better deal, which may enable him to play in the NRL this year.
Along with Tyran Wishart and Jonah Pezet, Keagan Russell-Smith, the Jersey Flegg Cup 2023 leading scorer, has been considered as Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes’s possible successor.
Russell-Smith, the current Melbourne Storm Academy Player of the Year, is rising through the ranks as those two compete with one another for the title of best backup playmaker at the NRL level.
According to Zero Tackle, Russell-Smith has been placed right away on the Storm’s development list for the upcoming season after receiving a contract increase. For the 2025 season, he will also be under a development contract.
He was Isaiya Katoa’s previous halves partner with the Penrith Panthers, and his promotion follows his impressive showing in reserve grade.
One of the top players to come out of the Melbourne Storm’s pathways teams, Tyran Wishart and Ryan Papenhuyzen both praised the young playmaker when Zero Tackle met with them earlier this year.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, the outstanding fullback, described him as “a special kid.”
“He’s one of those kids that wants to learn, is very coachable, and is always asking questions. In my opinion, those are the qualities you need to be a good football player.
“We’ve got some special kids coming through and he’s definitely in that crop.”
Russell-Smith has participated in the NSW and QLD Cups with the Brisbane Tigers and North Sydney Bears, totaling 10 appearances, as a result of the Melbourne Storm having an affiliated team in each league.
He averaged about 150 kicking meters per game, had 517 total running metres, assisted eight tries, three line-breaks, and scored one try during these encounters.
“Keeg’s is a young player and he’s got a lot of talent and I think he’s definitely one to keep an eye on,” Tyran Wishart stated.
“I believe he signed here after coming from Penrith Juniors. He’s a great worker and trainer, and if you watch him, you’ll see he can play some pretty nice football. He’s picking up skills from Munster and Hughes.
“He’s improving quickly, and it’s fun to play with him, which is always positive. That’s what a teammate should possess.”
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