Melbourne Storm to benefit from Cameron Smith's availability during State of Origin period

Cameron Smith stunned the NRL after announcing his sudden retirement from representative football but the move has already paid dividends for Melbourne after the Storm captain starred against Brisbane to take out the Fuchs’ Performance of the Week.

Trailing 12-8 at halftime, Smith got the ball rolling in the second half when he produced a pinpoint kick out of dummy-half that resulted in Broncos skipper Darius Boyd being bundled into touch as he attempted to clean it up.

It set the tone for Felise Kaufusi to score shortly afterwards to level the scores and the Storm would never look back from that point on.

“What a bonus for the Storm that he’s not playing Origin this year,” 9 commentator Phil Gould said.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy added: “He always steps up every week, but to go out and perform like he did is a real credit to him.

"If he hadn't played today, we would have been in a little bit of trouble. He was outstanding."