Melbourne Storm Chief Executive Officer Justin Rodski believes there will be a fiery atmosphere for Brandon Smith’s return to Melbourne on Thursday night.
The 2021 Dally M Hooker of the Year made 107 appearances for the Storm over six seasons and was a member of the 2020 premiership winning side before his move to Sydney’s eastern suburbs at the end of last season.
“It’s always a really big game, two of the big powerhouse clubs who played off in prelims and grand finals in recent years,” Rodski told SEN Whateley.
“For anyone who’s been to a Roosters v Storm clash it’s always fiery that first 20 minutes.
“There’s no love lost between the two sides and tonight’s game is made even more interesting with Brandon Smith, ‘The Cheese’, returning to play against us.”
It was a contentious move given the fierce rivalry between the Storm and the Rooters over the past five years, culminating in the 2018 Grand Final which saw Sydney comprehensively defeat Melbourne.
Last years’ contest was no exception to the rivalry with the Roosters winning a fiery contest by four points in Melbourne, marking their first win over the Storm since the 2019 preliminary final.
Smith was in purple that night, but he’ll wear the red, white and blue of the Roosters this Thursday with a mixed reception expected.
“I think it’ll be a mixed response, obviously he was a controversial figure in his time at the Storm and he’s obviously a big game player and someone that spent the first six-seven years of his career here, so his return to AAMI Park’s going to be fiery,” Rodski added.
“Ultimately I think once the players are out there it’ll be game on and we’ll be out there to beat the Roosters, not just Brandon.”
The Melbourne Storm hosts the Sydney Roosters in a top eight clash on Thursday night at AAMI Park.
Image: Sydney Roosters Twitter @sydneyroosters