By Steve Kaless
June 9th 2009 @ 2:15am
Are Melbourne storming home to the premiership?
Storm player Billy Slater skips away from Andrew McCullough during the Rugby League, NRL Round 2, Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium, Friday March 20, 2009. Broncos won 16 - 14. (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Colin Whelan)
The State of Origin is usually seen as a drain on top clubs and is normally the first excuse the big guns wheel out at this time of year. But it could be the best thing to happen to the Melbourne Storm.
The Storm had four players backing up 48 hours after Origin 1 on Friday, but still put on their most accomplished performance of the season.
True, some of their best players on the night hadn’t played on Wednesday. But Greg Inglis looked back to his best and that is probably the first time you could have said that this season at club level.
He has raised the expectations on his performance to crazy heights due to his prior performances, but before Wednesday, Inglis didn’t look nearly as dominating as he had in previous seasons.
Origin 1 seemed to take care of that.
Brilliant on Wednesday, he then maintained that level on Friday in a performance which must have those that were saying that Melbourne would be also rans this year thinking again.
I know coaches like it when their players get picked for representative sides, despite their absence from the team, as they tend to return more confident in their own ability, motivated by being recognised and rewarded for their efforts. And they often bring that intensity back to the club game.
Inglis looks to be living proof of that.
So what about the Broncos then? They looked the exact opposite. Their attack was disjointed and the absence of Lockyer can only be partly to blame.
They still had an Origin halfback in Peter Wallace and should surely still have had the firepower in the backline to make things happen.
Did they see an easy excuse and go for it?
The other odd thing about Origin time is the idea that teams want the byes now to stop their players from backing up. That seems fine in theory, but in reality teams seem to struggle coming off a bye. So are they really all they are cracked up to be?
Some coaches will say that the bye’s benefit can come around further down the track as the players benefit from the break.
Regardless, June form can still mean little in September and October. But as things stand, the Storm look like they’ll be having something to say around then as well.
Get Australia's best NRL opinion emailed daily.
Like this content? Buzz it up!
Free Email updates:
Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport or that author. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it. We value privacy. More...
(8)
were we trying to bully union to death when they were boring people to death ( ok stop now ifs sokka’s so boring why is it so...
Alan Nicolea said | June 9th 2009 @ 6:17am | Report comment
They were terrific against the Broncos with Inglis and Slater consolidating the brilliant form they showed in Origin 1. Although not as dominant as last year, the Storm should still be feared and respected. They will make the eight again.
The Link said | June 9th 2009 @ 11:17am | Report comment
You’re right Steve – too good a side to not be amoungst it in September. They look to be hitting their straps. Inglis is already up there with Big Mal as the best centre i’ve ever seen, will overtake the big man with a few more seasons like this.
Russell Bussian said | June 9th 2009 @ 2:05pm | Report comment
Something is very wrong with the Broncos. I would say it must be off-field issues or player discontent. Their last 5 performances have all been sub-par. Round 8 flogged by Newcastle. Round 9 lost at home to Manly. Round 10 beat the Titans at home but for mine were very disappointing in parts. Round 11 should have lost convincingly to Tigers but refs/video refs handed them the win. Round 12 bye Round 13 flogged by Melb.
The Answer said | June 9th 2009 @ 5:36pm | Report comment
Something must be wrong when Joel Clinton is getting fined 50K for what seems to be going on a date. So much for internet dating being the cheap option. I wonder if Joel Clinton called the lady in question and said “Great night, do you want to split the bill?”
Maybe they are a bit mentall weak and taking the easy option during Origin given the ready made excuse. Given your figures Russell it will make it interesting viewing against the Dogs on Friday, that could answer a few questions.
Wonder how the bookies will set things.
Gerry Faehrmann said | June 9th 2009 @ 7:48pm | Report comment
Dogs have had another bye with only 1 player making it to State of Origin.
I think the Dogs will be primed for a big win by at least 15 points.
Go the Dogs!
cosmos forever said | June 9th 2009 @ 8:29pm | Report comment
hate ‘em, can’t write another word about them.
Steve – get into wales the day after the crusaders play – any London league on weekend of 27-28 June?
Andrew said | June 9th 2009 @ 9:35pm | Report comment
A few teams have yet to hit full stride yet. The Dogs look like they are building, the Cowboys have there guns firing now and are waiting for the rest of the team to have a go, Storm looking for consistency in attack, Dragons trying to work out how to survive when Soward tries to milk the penalty and it’s not awarded. It’s quite an open race among the top teams. Maybe even the Broncos will work out how to win without a decent forward pack (It’s got to be hard!)
Steve Kaless said | June 9th 2009 @ 9:56pm | Report comment
Andrew,
A tough but fair call on Soward. he does seem to be the game’s penalty puller. Maybe it’s smart football maybe he is a cheat. Depends which side you are on i suppose.
Cosmos,
No joy in London on that weekend I’m afraid.
However, if you are able to make the journey to Leeds on the Friday night there is the big Leeds v Bradford derby. That and St Helens v Wigan are the big rivalries in Super League. I’ve only ever been to Leeds for the WCC’s but have also seen a few Challenge Cup finals and Super League Grand Finals the atmosphere has always been amazing. I’ve been reliably informed by a drunk Leeds fan it is their version of Origin.
If you are heading up, book your train tickets early to save cash here. http://www.thetrainline.com It is about 2.5 hours from London.
As much as they are making strides in London and Wales, if you want the real thing you need to head north or get to France.
I’d recommend it highly.
Here is the draw for that weekend, http://www.bbc.co.uk or http://www.therfl.co.uk are your best bets.
Friday, 26 June 2009
Leeds v Bradford, 20:00
Salford v Huddersfield, 20:00
St Helens v Celtic Crusaders, 20:00
——————————————————————————–
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Castleford v Catalans Dragons, 18:00
——————————————————————————–
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Hull KR v Wigan, 18:15
Wakefield v Harlequins RL, 15:30
Warrington v Hull, 15:00
Good luck.