Cameron Smith has expressed his surprise at Cameron Munster being shifted back to five-eighth for Melbourne’s clash with Penrith tonight.
Munster, in the eyes of the former Storm captain, should remain at fullback for Melbourne’s match against the reigning premiers.
Nick Meaney, returning from a one-game break due to a shoulder injury, has been named at fullback, and Munster will partner Cooper Johns in the halves.
Jahrome Hughes remains sidelined after suffering a shoulder injury during the Storm’s win against the Titans last week, in which Munster bagged a hat-trick and piled up 252 run meters.
“Is there a world — it might sound crazy. But is there a world once (Jahrome) Hughes gets back that (Munster) stays there (at fullback)?” Denan Kemp asked Smith on SEN radio.
“I thought he would’ve been there this week,” Smith said.
“I thought he would, too, just to keep him there,” Kemp replied.
“As a defend, what am I more scared of: Munster at six where I know where he is and where he’s lining up, or Munster popping up anywhere and I have to be ready for it?”
Smith highlighted Munster’s attacking prowess at fullback.
“He gets a look at more opportunities… when he’s playing fullback,” Smith said.
“He can just roam the field and pop up where he needs to be.
“I was a little bit surprised. I thought (coach Craig Bellamy) may have kept him there, and the only reason he’s back there is because of Jahrome Hughes — his injury and him not being there.”
