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Melbourne skipper Jesse Bromwich has contracted COVID-19 and will miss their NRL clash with Cronulla, with Brandon Smith his replacement.

Skipper Jesse Bromwich will miss Melbourne's NRL clash with Cronulla on Saturday night after testing positive for COVID-19.

Bromwich was absent from Friday's captain's run in Melbourne and will now isolate for the next seven days.

Brandon Smith has been elevated from the Storm bench into the starting side as the replacement prop with Alec McDonald moving onto the bench for his sixth NRL game.

Halfback Jahrome Hughes will take on the captaincy duties.

Bromwich missed round one of the season as a close contact when members of his family contracted coronavirus.

Cronulla have their own COVID-19 issues for the AAMI Park game against the Storm with back-rower Briton Nikora out, his absence allowing Cameron McInnes to make his first start for the Sharks.

Meanwhile, Mawene Hiroti comes in to replace injured winger Sione Katoa (knee).