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Olam not looking for Storm NRL spotlight

3 minute read

While he won the 2021 Dally M centre of the year award, Melbourne's Justin Olam doesn't consider himself a Storm star and insists he's just one of the boys.

JUSTIN OLAM.
JUSTIN OLAM. Picture: Regi Varghese/Getty Images

Justin Olam insists he's not among Melbourne's big guns despite his value skyrocketing in his five NRL seasons with the Storm.

The reigning Dally M centre of the year, Olam is a feared defender, while his attack has continued to improve to become one of the side's most consistent performers.

In the Storm's 70-10 romp over the Warriors last round, Olam scored the final four-pointer of their 13-try haul and, showing his work-rate, topped the run metres for his team with 202.

He has formed a lethal edge combination with Cameron Munster, Kenny Bromwich and recruit Nick Meaney, who he calls the "Ferrari".

"We have some very good players who can create things out of nothing and I think that's the good part of our team," Olam said.

"We have our game plan but our key players, they have the ability to look up and see what's the right play to execute and that's a big strength."

And rather than viewing himself as a Storm star, Olam says he's "just one of the boys in the team, doing my job".

"I don't see myself as a big player," added the 28-year-old, who has a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Physics.

The Papua New Guinea international is off contract at the end of the season, although the club has an option in their favour.

"I'm happy where I'm at right now and not worried about those things," he said, unaware of any interest from other NRL clubs.

"If the Storm and my manager want to continue our partnership, I'm always grateful to be here, but it's up to Melbourne to decide if they want to keep me."

The Storm face Newcastle on Sunday afternoon with the Knights eager to put on a good show in front of home fans after a 39-2 shocker against Parramatta at McDonald Jones Stadium last round.

Olam said they were a better team than that performance suggested.

"They've got some very good backs who will a challenge for us," he said.

"I'm definitely expecting them to bounce back this weekend."

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