The Melbourne Storm have upgraded the contract of one of their top young talents, potentially paving the way for his NRL debut this season.
Keagan Russell-Smith, the leading point-scorer of the 2023 Jersey Flegg Cup, is seen as a future successor to Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes, alongside Jonah Pezet and Tyran Wishart. As the competition for the primary backup playmaker continues, Russell-Smith is making strides through the ranks, recently named the Melbourne Storm Academy Player of the Year.
Zero Tackle reports that Russell-Smith has earned a contract upgrade, moving him to the Storm’s development list for this season and the 2025 season. His performance in reserve grade and history as a former halves partner of Isaiya Katoa at the Penrith Panthers have been impressive.
Ryan Papenhuyzen and Tyran Wishart praised Russell-Smith, highlighting his eagerness to learn and his natural talent. Papenhuyzen described him as “a special kid” who is very coachable, while Wishart noted his rapid improvement and hard work.
Russell-Smith has played in the NSW Cup and QLD Cup for the Brisbane Tigers and North Sydney Bears, respectively. In ten appearances, he scored one try, provided eight try assists and three line-break assists, averaged around 150 kicking meters per game, and accumulated 517 total running meters.
Wishart emphasized that Russell-Smith, originally from Penrith juniors, is a player to watch due to his talent, work ethic, and rapid progress under the mentorship of Munster and Hughes.
