LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
"He's a special kid": Melbourne Storm young gun scores contract upgrade
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL, the Melbourne Storm have decided to give one of their rising stars a well-deserved contract upgrade.
This could potentially pave the way for his debut in the big leagues this season.
According to reports from the Jersey Flegg Cup, Keagan Russell-Smith was the top point-scorer in 2023.
He has been hailed as the heir apparent to legends like Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes, alongside Jonah Pezet and Tyran Wishart.
While Munster and Hughes battle it out for the top spot as backup playmaker at NRL level, Russell-Smith has been quietly climbing the ranks.
He was even crowned the Melbourne Storm Academy Player of the Year.
Sources at Zero Tackle have revealed that Russell-Smith's hard work has paid off as he secures a contract upgrade and moves up to the Storm's development list for this season.
The young gun has also earned himself a development contract for the 2025 season.
This upgrade comes on the back of impressive performances in reserve-grade and a history of playing alongside Isaiya Katoa at the Penrith Panthers.
With a bright future ahead of him, Russell-Smith is ready to show the rugby league world what he's made of.
Watch out for this rising star as he takes the field and continues to make a name for himself in the NRL.