As far as North Queensland’s Michael Morgan is concerned, the reason a trip to Melbourne in the NRL is difficult is pretty simple – the Storm are just very good.
The Cowboys head to Victoria for Saturday’s qualifying final aiming to repeat their success at AAMI Park in last year’s preliminary final.
The Storm have lost just twice at their home ground this year, winning nine matches and with just two teams scoring 20 or more points against them.
“It’s just a hard place to play because they’re a good team,” Morgan said.
“Consistent every week.”
Morgan says too much has happened since the Cowboys’ stunned the Storm with a 32-12 win in last year’s grand final qualifier.
The Cowboys’ five-eighth says the minor premiers have plenty of other sources of inspiration to be at their best against his team.
“They’ll be keen to get a win, get the week off and have another home game and the chance to get to a grand final,” he said.
“There’s enough motivation there for them.”
The Storm have also beaten the Cowboys twice in 2016, including North Queensland’s sole defeat in Townsville this year.
Morgan says that 16-8 loss will actually prove beneficial to the Cowboys, who feel they learnt plenty from the setback.
“We played them not too long ago and we said then there was things we could take out of that,” he said.
“Hopefully we can.
“It’s just about not letting them have too much control of the game.”
RICK 88
Guest
I only hope the result will be a reverse from last year, it was good to see them (Cowboys) take the Premiership last season, it meant a lot to them and North Queensland, but it is meant to be shared around, and of course I am biased, Go the Storm.
Rob
Guest
The Storm have a weakness on the edges if you can shift the ball quickly. Keep Smith out of the game by moving the ball so his forwards don't control the ruck speed. Raiders hit them early down the edge with Proctor missing and Harris hurt. Storm don't like chasing points. Kicking smart along the ground behind wingers can also upset Storms compressed defence line.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Bellyache is truly awesome when in spray mode. I wouldn't read too much into that Storm Sharkies game regarding the result. Cowboys are a far better side and they're ramping up towards playing at their best level. Melbourne are only human too, and as such are prone to errors when put under pressure, where as maybe Cronulla couldn't match it with them, having said that 92% is plain mental Either way it's going to be a rip snorter.
Muzz
Guest
This game should be a cracker!
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
After the Broncs game, Smith and co. have awaken from their past month wobbles. Going with last weeks 92% completion rate against the Sharks, don't think the Cowboys will be afforded any different. Avoiding Bellamy's spittle, post-loss is enough motivation for the Storm to make to week 3.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Here's hoping Morgan can have a good start this outing, his last few games have had either poor reads or little errors which seem to upset his confidence and then it takes a while to get back into it.