Eagles feel backlash of stinging Storm - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Eagles feel backlash of stinging Storm

By Melissa Woods 22/08/2009 09:16:32 AM Comments (0)

Melbourne forward Scott Anderson says the Storm are still stinging from criticism from coach Craig Bellamy and are out to make amends against Manly in their NRL clash on Sunday.

Bellamy lashed out at his forwards after a listless first-half display against Newcastle resulted in a 26-14 loss last Monday night.

He described the effort as the "softest defensive performance we've put in all year" and said players needed to have a "good hard look at themselves".

Anderson, a Queensland junior representative, said the side had done just that.

"We took the comments personally, as a forward pack," the 23-year-old said.

"We've got something to prove this week, especially playing against Manly, it's like a grand final replay."

As well as the satisfaction of impressing their taskmaster, the fourth-placed Storm can send the sixth-placed Sea Eagles tumbling out of the top eight and to as low as 10th with a loss.

"I guess that's probably a good thing that we could do to them, although we're not really thinking about that," Anderson said.

"It's more about us and what we want to achieve out of the game.

"The last performance was pretty bad on our behalf so we're looking in-house rather than more toward them."

The Storm will still be without benched star centre Greg Inglis, who is due in court facing assault charges next week, while Manly will be missing injured Brett Stewart, despite the gun fullback appearing at training.

Manly spokesman Peter Peters said Stewart would be in Melbourne with the side but wouldn't play until he passed a series of tests on his damaged knee next week.

Bellamy signalled his intentions for the match with a beefed up bench, including three props for the first time this season.

Kiwi internationals Adam Blair and Jeff Lima have been joined by former Wests Tigers forward Ryan Tandy as the Storm look to continue their dominance over Manly in Melbourne, where the visitors have never won.

Anderson said the Sea Eagles pack, particularly rampaging back-rower Anthony Watmough, was impressive.

"He's been playing really well and all of their forwards are big forwards who know how to cart the ball forwards so it's going to be a hard job on Sunday afternoon."

Melbourne captain Cameron Smith returned for his team's final training session after being rested for the week, which coincided with the birth of his son, Jasper.

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