Scary reality as Storm farewell Cameron Smith

Will Cam Smith's likely retirement see the end of the Storm's premiership dominance?

RECRUITMENT: Smith and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui are big losses but with Harry Grant, George Jennings and Reimis Smith coming in, it could be argued that the Storm are stronger in 2021.

STRENGTHS: The best coach and the best system in the game – every year the critics say the Storm's time is up – and every year Craig Bellamy's boys prove them wrong.

WEAKNESSES: Bellamy will be looking for his team to finish games stronger – in several games last year they built up big leads before dropping off in the final 20 minutes and conceding cheap points.

MAN UNDER PRESSURE: Jahrome Hughes came to the Storm as a no-name but was as good as any halfback in the comp last year. He's playing for a big contract in 2021 – and doing so without Smith helping him set up the big plays.

ONE TO WATCH: Bellamy has the uncanny knack of turning fair players into very good ones – and Reimis Smith falls into that former category. Strong and fast, he could prove the man to replace Suli Vunivalu, who is a big loss.

Suliasi Vunivalu of the Storm scores a try during the round four NRL match

WHAT THE BOOKIES SAY: To win comp $7, to make finals $1.20 (via Sportsbet)

WHAT MOLEY SAYS: Smith's likely retirement sees the end of an era for the Storm – but Bellamy has two wonderful No.9s in Grant and Brandon Smith and Melbourne are again the team to beat.

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