RUGBY LEAGUE: The Sunshine Coast Falcons are relishing the prospect of Brandon Smith lacing up with the side for large chunks of the season after he inspired the team on debut.

The 20-year-old hooker, who is an understudy to NRL star Cameron Smith at Melbourne Storm, ripped into the Northern Pride at Cairns on Saturday.

His performance off the bench propelled the Falcons to a 12-point win in the round three state league clash.

"He turned the game on its head with his enthusiasm," captain Dane Hogan said.

"He bought into what we're trying to do at the Sunny Coast very well and in the stint he had he really lifted the team."

The 180cm, 93kg livewire created several turnovers as a result of hard-hitting collisions.

"He looks pretty sharp out of hooker (as a ball distributor) but his defence is probably his best attribute," Hogan said.

"For a little fellow he can definitely whack."

Smith, who played his first game after recovering from injury, will don Falcons colours when he is not required by the Storm.

That should see him play in the Intrust Super Cup more often than not, given the Australian captain holds down the number nine jersey at Melbourne.

"I think he's a quality player and he'll eventually get his chance in the NRL but he's obviously behind Cam Smith (there)," Hogan said.

"If he keeps playing well he could maybe get a run for the Storm around State of Origin Origin time (when Cameron should be on representative duty with Queensland) but we'll definitely be happy to get him back here when we can."

Smith was in the North Queensland Cowboys under-20 team last season, when he was named the National Youth Championship's hooker-of-the-year.

He has also been in the New Zealand representative junior team.

Falcons coach Craig Ingebrigtsen is impressed.

"He's a very good player and is going to shorten up a few blokes is in this competition," he told the Daily last week.

"He is tough, everything you want in your nine. He's going to be really good for us."

Smith's likely appearances at the Falcons add to the depth of hookers at the club.

There is also Jake Turpin, another Storm player, and Alex Bishop while there are several other ball players in the squad.

Hogan said the Falcons could accommodate two small men on the interchange bench because many of the forwards in the squad can play long minutes.