The only thing Brandon Smith wants to see passed around when Melbourne take on Parramatta in their sudden-death NRL final on Saturday night at AAMI Park is the ball.
The Storm utility forward has been battled illness, playing in last week’s tight qualifying final loss to Canberra while suffering from the flu.
He also hurt his shoulder in a chicken wing tackle by Raider Joe Tapine during the match.
”I got a little flu that was getting passed around my house,'” Smith said.
”My girlfriend gave it to me and then I gave it to my girlfriend’s mum so it’s not been the greatest week but I’ve got over it now and I’m looking forward to playing.”
Smith’s good pal, premiership centre Curtis Scott also remains in the mix for a shock return as Storm search for a winning edge.
Scott survived the initial cut to Melbourne’s squad with the final two to be omitted an hour before kick-off.
Second-rower Joe Stimson and prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui both dropped out of the squad on Friday night.
The highlight of Scott’s season – which has been limited to seven matches – was his round nine performance against the Eels.
Axed for the two games leading into the match, a fired-up Scott stole the show in the 64-10 thumping.
He scored a remarkable length-of-the-field try and ran 258m with nine tackle busts but ended the match with a broken foot.
The 21-year-old has only managed one NRL match since, playing in their round 23 win over Gold Coast, with Justin Olam and Will Chambers firming as the finals centres.
But Scott impressed in last Sunday’s Queensland Cup final for Melbourne’s feeder team Sunshine Coast, giving coach Storm Craig Bellamy food for thought.
Brandon Smith said Scott was desperate for another shot.
“Curtis might get a crack and he’s also a tough competitor – I know he’s not enjoying being on the sidelines,” he said.
“I know he will be doing everything he can to get back in the squad if there are any injuries.”