'You want to play big games': Pezet aiming to steer Storm to top-two berth

Dally M Medallist Jahrome Hughes is supporting rookie halfback Jonah Pezet in maximizing the impact of dynamic second-rower Eli Katoa as the Storm aims to secure a top-two finish and avoid playing in Sydney until the grand final.

Pezet, regarded as a promising future star at halfback, is poised to guide the Storm for the second week in a row as they target a victory over the Bulldogs at AAMI Park this Friday night.

A win would elevate Melbourne to a position four points ahead of Canterbury, who are currently in third place, with two matches remaining, effectively locking in a second-place finish for the Storm.

Even in the event of losses in their final two games against the Roosters and Broncos, Melbourne's points differential is +252, significantly higher than the Bulldogs' +120.

With home games against the Bulldogs and Roosters followed by a trip to Brisbane in Round 27, it's plausible that the Storm may not play in Sydney again this season unless they advance to the premiership decider on October 5 at Accor Stadium.