Storming start surprises Bellamy - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Storming start surprises Bellamy

Roger Vaughan 22/03/2011 05:05:42 PM Comments (0)

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has admitted surprise at how well his new-look side has started the NRL season.

Playing for points again in 2011 after last year's sanctions for salary cap breaches, the Storm are one of just three unbeaten sides - along with Newcastle and Canterbury - after two rounds.

It is a fine accomplishment for a Storm side bearing little resemblance to the one fans have grown accustomed to in recent years, with the likes of Greg Inglis, Jeff Lima, Ryan Hoffman, Brett Finch, Aiden Tolman and Brett White all departing in the off-season.

"I suppose they have (surprised), if I had to say something - it's certainly been a pleasant surprise," Bellamy said.

"My greatest enjoyment in the first two games is how some of the young blokes and new guys have come through.

"Some of the things we did in the trials, I thought it was going to take a little bit longer for these guys to really understand the things we need to do here.

"That two weeks between the (Brisbane) Broncos trial and our first game, it seems as though it's clicked."

After two strong wins at home, the Storm are now on the road for Monday night's clash against North Queensland, where they will come against former team-mate Dallas Johnson.

Adam Woolnough has been added to a 19-man squad, with Sika Manu nursing a corked calf.

Bellamy praised the efforts of three-quarters Justin O'Neill and a revitalised Anthony Quinn, who is back on track after an extended injury spell.

"It's a new breed except for Quinny and basically Quinny is a new breed as well, he hasn't played really for two years," Bellamy said.

"It's nice to have some guys in form and some guys you know you can rely on."

Another standout after two rounds has been halfback kingpin Cooper Cronk, who somehow keeps improving.

"We've done a couple of little things a bit different with his training this year and he's really seemed to have embraced those," Bellamy said.

The Melbourne coach said it was never easy to come up against former players and said the Storm knew what was coming from Johnson.

"Dallas wouldn't have changed, he'll be an angry man," Bellamy said.

"But he's a life member here ... it'll be war for him for 80 minutes, but after that I'm sure he'll spend some time with us."

Meanwhile, Bellamy has taken Parramatta's ongoing interest in Storm players as a compliment.

The Storm have reportedly made an offer to impressive winger Matt Duffie, who also has attracted interest from the Eels.

"I don't think anyone is really safe at the moment, if you play in a purple jumper you're going to get an offer from Parramatta," Bellamy said.

"That's business ... the guys are coming off contracts.

"Obviously Steve (Kearney) has very fond memories of here."

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