3 minute read

Josh Addo-Carr says the calming influence and clever play of Kenny Bromwich has truly unlocked a Melbourne left edge that had every other base covered.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has revealed how the NRL's rule changes forced them to re-imagine their attack in a move that unlocked unsung left-edge weapon Kenny Bromwich.

Jesse's younger brother has emerged from the shadow of his sibling and teammate to help the Storm to their fourth grand final in the past five years.

Graduating from last year's bench utility role, Bromwich's subtle touches and clever lines have complemented the speed of winger Josh Addo-Carr, brutality of centre Justin Olam and creativity of five-eighth Cameron Munster.

That devastating combination has taken the heat off Cameron Smith in the middle of the park and freed up Jahrome Hughes in his first full year wearing the No.7.

"I've always been defensive-minded but we made a real point this year, especially with the rule changes, that we had to change some of the things that we did," Bellamy said.

"The strengths of our players; we've been able to use those more often and work a way that we could integrate those strengths.

"There's been a bit of experimenting to be honest, at training and in games."

Before last week's preliminary final victory, the Storm had scored 16 tries in the set after a set restart - the equal most of any team this season - and almost 20 per cent of their tries from inside their own half in a clear sign the experimenting has paid off.

"It was hard in the start (to work out Munster); a lot of the time he doesn't know what he's doing," Bromwich said.

"We're pretty tight ... had a lot of time together, me, Munster, Foxx (Addo-Carr) and Juzzie (Olam).

"We just use each other's strengths really well.

"Munster does what he wants, we've got Fox with his speed, Juzzie will run through a brick wall and I try to add a little bit of creativity there and run the ball when I can."

Addo-Carr said playing outside Olam - nicknamed "the human brick" - had its benefits.

But he said the introduction of back-rower Bromwich was the final flourish.

"We've got a really good mix of smarts, power, speed and Cam Munster ugly," he said.

"Kenny's a real leader in our side; plenty of chat, nice calm chat.

"He's always been a good player, but after coming off the bench the last couple of years he's found his spot and he's an unsung hero in our team."