Storm still feeling Origin hangover - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Storm still feeling Origin hangover

By Melissa Woods 24/07/2009 06:27:17 PM Comments (0)

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy says the Origin period is still affecting his side, which is struggling for consistency ahead of its NRL clash with Cronulla on Saturday.

The Storm struggled in a narrow loss to Parramatta on Monday night, missing Origin stars Cameron Smith (shoulder) and Dallas Johnson (neck) as well as five-eighth Brett Finch (collapsed lung) while their fellow representative players looked flat.

Ahead of their encounter with Sharks, who are missing injured skipper Paul Gallen and Anthony Tupou for the match, Bellamy denied his side were in a rut but admitted they weren't playing to their usual consistent standards.

"We have been a little bit inconsistent and that's something we've prided ourselves on here," Bellamy said.

"The Origin period is over but not quite sure the affects of it are over just yet.

"Sometimes it will take two or three weeks sometimes it takes five or six weeks and we need to find that turnaround sooner rather than later.

"I don't think we're in too big a rut, Parramatta played really well and we didn't play so good and we got within two points.

"I don't think we're too far away ... there's been a bit of fatigue but it's just a matter of us working hard to keep things as fresh as we can."

While captain Smith is certain to play, a decision will be made on Ryan Hoffman (hamstring) and Johnson on game day, with both still a chance to play.

In some good news for the Storm, they announced they had extended NSW Origin lock Brett White's contract until 2012.

Hated in Queensland after knocking out Maroons veteran Steve Price with a punch late in last week's Origin, White is much loved in Melbourne.

The Origin fall-out hasn't affected his prospects with the club, with White, who made his debut there in 2005, considered a gentle giant rather than a thug.

Bellamy said White was an "outstanding ambassador" for the club.

"He's a terrific player and an even better person," Bellamy said.

"He's the type of player we want at this club."

White was the latest in a long list of players to pledge their future to Melbourne.

It also comes on the back of news the club has signed Dragons centre Chase Stanley and Sharks back-rower Atelea Vea for the next two years.

Meanwhile, Blues coach Bellamy wouldn't be drawn into a report Queensland players were mixing prescription drugs and energy drinks as they partied in the lead-up to the third match.

"I was in NSW camp so I know nothing about that so no comment," Bellamy said.

When asked if he believed any Storm players were involved he replied: "I said no comment, I'll let someone else handle that."

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