Once set to follow in the footsteps of Nathan Cleary, Keagan Russell-Smith now has another big pair of shoes to fill as he leads Melbourne in their NRL clash with Canterbury.
The 22-year-old has been called upon to replace superstar Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster as they tackle a desperate Bulldogs outfit at Accor Stadium on Friday night.
Munster, Melbourne skipper Harry Grant and forward Trent Loiero will miss the match, in camp with Queensland, while Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton is on State of Origin duty with NSW.
Russell-Smith is a Panthers junior, having partnered Dolphins ace Isaiya Katoa in the halves in their SG Ball team in 2022.
Russell-Smith booted a late goal from the sideline to secure a 22-20 victory in their grand final against the Sydney Roosters.
