NRL: Smith in hot water after kicking Luke in head

Cameron Smith of the Storm kicks Issac Luke of the Rabbitohs. Photo / Getty Images

Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith said he wasn't even aware his boot had connected with Rabbitohs rake Issac Luke in an incident that could come under scrutiny from the NRL's match review committee.

Smith lashed out after he was tackled by Luke and his Souths teammate David Tyrell, kicking Luke three times in the head late in the Storm's 16-12 win.

Social media lit up that the Queensland skipper could miss the first State of Origin match later this month in Sydney, but Smith didn't know what all the fuss was about.

He said he was pinned on his back under Tyrell and didn't see or feel Luke.

"I was only told about what happened on the way to the press conference, that I'd made contact with Issac Luke," Smith said.

"He didn't mention anything to me in the game or after the game so I don't know what to say there."

Smith joked that the comments on social media were probably from people in NSW.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy defended his skipper, saying he was just trying to play the ball quickly.

"I can't even remember it but it's not as if he'd go out there and try and kick someone in the head so it's just an accident," Bellamy said.

-AAP