‘Didn't work out': Fifth halves pairing's a charm as Roosters reveal Radley blow
Smith will partner Sam Walker against Melbourne after an error-strewn loss to Cronulla dropped the Roosters to 10th on the NRL ladder and cost Townsend the No.6 jersey following his first game since April.
Robinson also revealed enforcer Victor Radley is expected to miss up to a month with an ongoing shoulder issue despite the back-rower telling reporters on Tuesday that he was not anticipating missing more than a week.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy remains unsure of Ryan Papenhuyzen's return from a month-long calf injury, while Melbourne will be without Cameron Munster as he attends his father's funeral and Nelson Asofa-Solomona (suspension).
At the Roosters scrum base, Hugo Savala will be sidelined for another week with wrist ligament damage, prompting Smith's recall after he was initially dropped when Walker made his injury comeback.
Robinson said before the Sharks clash that Smith was dropped to reserve grade because 'he can play better ', while Townsend had impressed in NSW Cup.
Smith was then withdrawn from reserve grade after Townsend's four mistakes against Cronulla and recalled to first grade based on his training in recent weeks.
'It didn't work out how we wanted last week, but I've also been really clear about what I'd like from [Smith] and his improvement,' Robinson said.
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