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Storm promises fireworks when Storm meet Manly

20th April, 2015
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It’s one of two defeats Melbourne have suffered this NRL season and represents Manly’s only triumph of the year.

But a 24-22 loss to the Sea Eagles in round two will be the last thing on Storm skipper Cameron Smith’s mind, when he leads the side onto AAMI Park on Saturday.

“We were disappointed to lose that match at Brookvale, but we’ve moved on from that,” Smith said on Monday.

“We’re in some pretty good form, so we just need to keep building.”

The same can’t be said of the opposition, but Smith tipped the cellar-dwelling Sea Eagles would lift for the occasion.

“No matter what their performances have been like in recent weeks I’m sure they’ll be here to play their best game of football all season, as they always are against Melbourne,” he said.

“We’re playing one of our biggest rivals in Manly, so I can guarantee there will be some fireworks.

“As there always is between the two clubs.”

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The Storm usually tackle the Warriors at AAMI Park on Anzac Day, but the Auckland-based side wanted to host their own fixture this year.

The national captain described the opportunity to play on Anzac Day as an honour.

Smith and his teammates visited Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance on Monday, with the 31-year-old saying it was important the club understood the importance of the day and its origins.

“We did this a few years ago and it was quite a moving day,” Smith said of the visit.

“Not too many young guys know a whole lot about the Anzacs these days, which is unfortunate.

“You hear about that Anzac spirit all the time, but you don’t truly understand what it’s about until you … look at the photos and stories and get a real sense of what the day is about.”

Halfback Cooper Cronk was notably absent on Monday, but Smith said it was only because of illness.

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“It’s a pretty important match coming up, so we thought we’d put him in bed. Get him some rest. He’ll be right on the weekend,” he said.

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