LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Storm coach Craig Bellamy expressed concern about his team's defensive performance heading into their NRL first-round match against Parramatta.
Melbourne has an impressive streak of 21 consecutive first-round wins under Bellamy's leadership, but their pre-season defensive struggles could put that streak in jeopardy.
Bellamy pointed out that the team's performance in their trial games against the New Zealand Warriors and North Queensland Cowboys was below par, with Melbourne conceding 36 points in each match.
Despite their strong track record in round-one matches, Bellamy admitted that the team will need to address their defensive shortcomings if they hope to continue their winning streak.
He emphasized the importance of tightening up their defense in order to compete effectively against Parramatta on Sunday at AAMI Park.
Bellamy's comments suggest that he is not taking their upcoming match lightly and recognizes the need for improvement in key areas.
"It's always interesting when round one comes up," Bellamy said, underscoring the significance of the team's performance in the opening round of the NRL season.
The coach's focus on defensive issues indicates that he is prioritizing a solid defensive effort from his players in order to secure a victory against Parramatta.
Bellamy's comments serve as a warning to his team that they cannot rely solely on their past success in first-round matches and must address their current defensive weaknesses.
As Melbourne prepares to take on Parramatta, Bellamy's concern about the team's defensive woes highlights the importance of shoring up their defensive strategy.
The Storm will need to deliver a more resilient performance in order to maintain their winning streak in round-one matches and start the NRL season on a positive note.
With Bellamy's guidance, Melbourne will aim to address their defensive issues and put themselves in a strong position to compete against Parramatta on Sunday.