Brandon Smith will learn from one of the greatest hookers of all time when he moves to the Storm.

Brandon Smith, originally from Waiheke Island, has been signed by the Storm to take over from superstar hooker Cameron Smith.

The 21-year-old Junior Kiwis hooker will move to the Storm from the Cowboys next year and be groomed as Smith's replacement.

Brandon Smith's contract with the Storm is for three years.



The first two will be as Cameron Smith's apprentice, with the Kangaroos captain to pass all of his knowledge and experience to the heir apparent.

Cameron Smith expected to retire in 2018, when he'll be 35 and it will then be up to the younger Smith to take over.

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Brandon Smith grew up on Waiheke, the island east of central Auckland, and played for the Waiheke under-6 side at the age of three.

He left for Townsville when he was 14, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Dylan, who went through the Cowboys' system.

For this year's test between the Junior Kiwis and Junior Kangaroos, Brandon got the nod to start ahead at hooker ahead of the Warriors' Nathaniel Roache.

He had an impressive outing in the black and white jersey, with three line breaks, more than any other player in either side. He also ran the ball more metres than anyone else in the New Zealand side, 153m, in the game the Junior Kiwis lost 34-20.

Spending two years under Cameron Smith's wing is sure to be huge for Brandon and no doubt will eventually benefit the main Kiwis team.

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