Bellamy says Storm penalty tally is harsh

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy doesn't believe his team deserve to be leading the table for the most penalised side in the NRL.

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith is no certainty to play against the Broncos on Friday after skipping training. (AAP)

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy believes his team is being treated unfairly by the NRL whistleblowers with the Storm the most penalised side in the competition.

The ladder leaders have conceded 117 penalties in 17 rounds, nine more than the next most, which is Cronulla, and a staggering 43 more penalties than West Tigers, who have the least in the competition.

Last round against the Sydney Roosters they lost the penalty count 7-5.

But Bellamy doesn't believe his side deserve to be top of that unfavourable table, although didn't want to elaborate in fear of being fined.

"No, I don't," he said when asked if it was a fair assessment of his team's play.

"I'd rather not comment on that to be quite honest because I think we're getting a little bit harshly judged in some areas at the moment and it's been like that for a little bit but that's all I can say about it."

Ahead of their Friday night clash with the Broncos in Brisbane, the Storm had their first training run since their golden point loss to the Roosters, however skipper Cameron Smith was a notable absentee.

The remaining three Origin players who sat out the round 17 match - Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Will Chambers - all trained.

Bellamy wouldn't expand on Smith's injury, except to say it wasn't his sternum and he was still sore following last week's brutal interstate encounter.

He said the Queensland captain would definitely be right for the Origin decider on July 12 in Brisbane.

"We'll check on him tomorrow and go from there," Bellamy said of Smith, who was named in their side.

"He's got a couple of bumps and bruises."

The coach said Chambers, who was heavily concussed during Origin, had passed all medical tests.

"If he comes through training today feeling OK then he'll be fine," Bellamy said.

Prop Jordan McLean was included on the bench however Bellamy said he was doubtful as he continues to recover from a fractured cheekbone.

Bellamy said he wanted his side to continue to put in the same effort that saw them beat North Queensland in extra time and lose to the Roosters the same way.

"It's a six day turnaround with two interstate games and that's the thing that's going to be really important for us," he said.

"The Broncos have been a really consistent team this season and their effort last week to win down in Canberra after an Origin game with a couple of guys out was really impressive."


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Source: AAP



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