LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The Melbourne Storm are using their grand final loss to the Penrith Panthers as motivation to formulate a new game plan to end their rivals' reign as premiers.
According to nrl.com.au, Storm skipper Harry Grant revealed that the team has been working hard over the summer to come up with a strategy to defeat the Panthers and claim the premiership in 2025.
The Storm last lifted the Provan-Summons Trophy in 2020 when they defeated Penrith in the decider, and they are looking to replicate that success.
Grant acknowledged the challenge posed by the Panthers' organized and disciplined defense, which proved difficult for the Storm to break through in their previous encounter.
He highlighted the importance of addressing this issue, with the addition of new recruit Utoikamanu expected to bring a fresh attacking dimension to the team.
The Storm are hoping that Utoikamanu's presence will help improve their performance on the field and give them an edge over their competitors.
The Storm's journey to reclaim the premiership will kick off when they face off against Parramatta in the final game of Round 1 on Sunday afternoon.
Despite the disappointment of their grand final loss, Grant and his teammates are eager to prove themselves and show that they have what it takes to dethrone the Panthers.
The defeat in the grand final has served as a learning experience for the Storm, who are determined to use it as fuel to drive them towards their goal of becoming champions once again.
In a statement reflecting on their defeat to the Panthers, Grant emphasized the impact it has had on the team's mindset and motivation going forward.
He stated, "The loss to the four-time defending champions will act as a motivator in the quest to go one better in 2025." With a renewed focus and determination, the Storm are ready to take on the challenge and showcase their revamped game plan in their pursuit of victory.