He has been likened to a young Paul Harragon and now Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith has backed Jordan McLean to perform in the biggest match of his short career.

“Jordan’s had a break-out season; he’s been in first grade for a couple of years but hasn’t really given us what we’ve all been waiting for but this year he has'” Smith said.

“So that’s a huge reason as to why we’re here this weekend, because those young guys and the way they have played the whole year.”