Smith: We’re working hard

With two months remaining before the NRL season gets underway, Melbourne’s preparations include some serious hard work according to skipper Cameron Smith.

Smith, along with fellow internationals Jeff Lima, Billy Slater and Greg Inglis, returned to training this week after enjoying an extended break following the Four Nations Tournament.

He will take part in the All Star clash on February 13 before before heading to the UK for the Storm’s World Club Challenge clash with Leeds.

On their return, Smith and his team-mates will have just ten days to prepare for the big kick off against Cronulla March 13.

“It is (a long year). There is only four weeks before the All-Star game then we head straight to England after that,” said Smith. “We know we have to get plenty of work into our bodies to be right for those games”.

“We always want to be in good shape when we start the season. We like to be in front in terms of the physical side of things and we are prepared to work hard to get there.”

Smith said that the club learned some valuable lessons about preparations during their last trip to the UK, also to play Leeds, in 2008.

“We struggled a bit when we went to England a couple of years ago. It was really hard work getting back into things when we got back,” he said.

“Given we have had that experience the footy staff will be able to manage the players better.”