Melbourne Storm backs are relishing the opportunity to play behind a bigger NRL pack according to promising five-eighth Gareth Widdop.

The Englishman is in his second full season in the role and says he expects to be increasingly targeted by the opposition.

But the 23-year-old believes the acquisition of forwards such as former Test prop Jason Ryles from the Sydney Roosters, as well as St George Illawarra’s Michael Greenfield, makes his job a little easier.

Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith said last week the Storm felt they were out-muscled by the physical Warriors outfit in their preliminary final loss, and now rated the current pack as the biggest during his time at the club.

Widdop hoped the extra size would work in their favour.

“Last year I think we lacked it a little bit,” Widdop said on Monday.

“With Greeny (Greenfield) and Rylesy (Ryles), we’ve got a big forward pack this year and I think that’s going to be good for us.

“The outside backs and myself and Cooper (Cronk) can play off the back of that.”

Widdop and Test No.7 Cronk had their first hit-out together in the Storm’s final trial match, which resulted in a 34-30 win over Brisbane in Hobart.

The five-eighth didn’t believe their lack of playing time ahead of their season opener on Sat March 3 against the Raiders in Canberra would be an issue.

“Last year we worked well,” he said.

“I think it will take one or two games to get back in the swing of things but we’ve got two weeks before round one so we’ll be working hard to get it right.”

Greenfield joined Melbourne this season from St George Illawarra and has previously played with Souths as well as one game with Cronulla.

The 26-year-old said he leapt at the chance to play with the Storm, where coach Craig Bellamy has a proven reputation for turning average forwards into champions.

He said he quickly realised during the pre-season that success wasn’t due to luck.

“I think it’s the work ethic that he drives down here definitely,” Greenfield said.

“I’ve realised with the pre-season that I’ve had down here that it’s not through luck that he’s turned all those frontrowers into such good players, its through a lot of hard work.”

The prop has had a bad run of injuries, including neck surgery, and hoped his move south would be a fresh start.

“I’ve just got to take the opportunity,” he said.

“I’m playing with such good players down here so hopefully they can bring the best out in me and hopefully I can help the team.”