Melbourne captain Cameron Smith is still hopeful that the Storm might end up playing for more than just pride in 2010.
Storm considering whether to appeal, players to meet with union
Melbourne captain Cameron Smith admits it feels a "bit weird" playing in the NRL with what has been deemed an "illegal" team.
As part of their punishment following the salary cap scandal that has rocked the sport of rugby league Down Under, the Storm will not be allowed to earn a single point during their 2010 campaign.
Melbourne, who were also stripped of their titles in 2007 and 2009, are still deciding whether to launch an appeal against the decision.
They thrashed the Warriors 40-6 on Sunday and Smith believes the NRL is only allowing them to play on to keep the competition at 16 clubs.
"It does feel a bit weird," he told
Sky Sports Radio.
"I read every day that we've got an illegal roster but we're still allowed to play in the competition, which is quite strange.
"Obviously we're needed in the game for the game to continue."
Chance
Smith remains hopeful that the Storm will still be allowed to play for more than just pride for the remainder of the NRL campaign.
The Australian international and the rest of his club colleagues will meet with the players' union this week to talk through the options open to them.
"It would be great to have a chance to be part of the premiership this year," Smith said.
"At this stage it's been hard to think of ways we can do that.
"We're going to be meeting with the players' association this week and we'll speak to a few other people about some avenues to go down and where we stand.
"It's going to be really tough turning up each week knowing that if you put in a great performance like we did the other night, you still read the Melbourne Storm on the ladder and you've got a zero in the points column."
