LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Craig Bellamy accused his Melbourne Storm players of becoming complacent after Nathan Cleary was knocked out of the NRL grand final rematch with a concussion.
Despite Cleary's absence, the Panthers put up a strong fight with two rookies in the halves and only lost 30-24 to the Storm.
Bellamy expressed disappointment in his team for letting the Panthers back into the game, stating, "Some of the players probably thought ...
in the back of your mind you find a voice is telling you, 'Oh, yeah, it's going to be OK today.'" He emphasized the professionalism of the Panthers and their ability to win despite missing key players.
Bellamy admitted that his team lost their way and got complacent after a good start, allowing Penrith to stay in the game and ultimately secure the win.
The match ended with five tries each, but the Panthers only kicked two goals with Cleary sidelined.
Bellamy's criticism of his team's mindset highlights the importance of remaining focused and not underestimating their opponents.
Despite missing key players, the Panthers' resilience and strategic gameplay led them to victory, sending a clear message to the Storm that complacency is a cardinal sin in competitive sports.