Smith, Slater back for Storm

Craig Bellamy has named fit-again duo Billy Slater and Cameron Smith in the Melbourne team to take on Brisbane in Saturday’s trial.

Slater returns to action after suffering a fractured collarbone in the Four Nations, while Smith has overcome a shoulder problem which saw him miss the NRL All Stars match.

Cooper Cronk, whose future has been at the centre of intense media speculation in recent weeks, will also play in the match in Hobart, Tasmania.

Bellamy has named an extended 23 man squad for the clash with the Brisbane, which includes the likes of Matt Duffie, Sika Manu and Ryan Hoffman.

Around 4,000 tickets have already been sold for the match which will take place at North Hobart Oval, which is hoped will stimulate rugby league interest in Tasmania.

Storm players have already held a training session wiut the local AFL team and will be visiting local schools and hospitals.

The match will be the last opportunity for the Storm to perfect their playing combinations ahead of their NRL opener against Canberra on March 3.