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Bellamy's Storm wary of improved Broncos

3 minute read

Brisbane can expect to be tested by a Melbourne Storm side on a historic run of form when they return to their happy Suncorp Stadium hunting ground on Thursday.

Storm head coach CRAIG BELLAMY
Storm head coach CRAIG BELLAMY Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy says putting the breaks on another fast Brisbane fast start will be key as they look to continue an unrivalled run of NRL form.

The Storm (9-2) have won a historic eight-straight games by at least 13 points, returning to Suncorp Stadium in ominous form to face a Brisbane (3-8) team coming off a surprise victory over the Sydney Roosters.

They scored twice inside 14 minutes to stun the Roosters at the SCG, while sin-bins and suspensions marred what was the Broncos' best performance under first-year coach Kevin Walters.

"Their best quarter of games has been their first 20 minutes by a mile," Bellamy said of the Broncos.

"There's that little bit of rivalry there with Brisbane and after what they produced last week we know it's going to be a tough game.

"There was a lot of really good players there last week; they'll be looking to produce that sort of performance again."

Brisbane will be without in-form prop Matt Lodge and five-eighth Tyson Gamble, the pair replaced by debutant TC Robati and Anthony Milford.

Melbourne are still missing Brandon Smith, Harry Grant, Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen, but welcome back five-eighth Jahrome Hughes.

The Storm had planned to return to Melbourne after the game following a two-week stay on the Sunshine Coast, where they were based during last year's run to the title.

They will remain there though after the latest COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne this week, Bellamy admitting the situation had rattled some of his players and created "a bit of stress around the camp".

The comfort of a Suncorp Stadium return, where the Storm have won 22 of 26 games, will help though.

"We've always enjoyed playing there as long as I've been here," Bellamy said.

"For me it's the best rugby league stadium I've ever seen in the world."

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