Storm keep faith in defence combination

Craig Bellamy is confident Melbourne’s shaky right side defence will rise to the challenge when the Storm host the Warriors in their annual Anzac Day NRL clash.

The defensive combination of winger Suliasi Vunivalu, centre Curtis Scott, second-rower Felise Kaufusi and halfback Brodie Croft have leaked nine of the 12 tries Melbourne have conceded this season, according to Fox Sports.

In their grand final rematch last round against the Sydney Roosters, they allowed two tries.

The left side, in comparison, have allowed just one try through six rounds.

Bellamy switched centres Scott and Will Chambers this season and despite the defensive lapses, intends to stick with the new formation for the AAMI Park match against the Warriors.

“We have had a few issues on that right side but having said that, if you’ve got (Luke) Keary, (Latrell) Mitchell,(Anthony) Tupou and (Boyd) Cordner there, that’s probably an area where you’re going to attack the opposition,” Bellamy said of the Roosters game.

“There’s a couple of things we need to be a bit more aware with on that right side but we’re really confident in all those guys, so hopefully they’ll be better this week.”

The Roosters dished up Melbourne’s first loss of the season while the Warriors (2-4) are coming off a surprise home loss to North Queensland.

The Anzac Day matches are usually close affairs and Bellamy isn’t expecting a repeat of last year’s demolition job when the Storm thrashed the Warriors 50-10 – after they led 36-0 at halftime.

He believes that result was an anomaly and, despite the inconsistent form of the visitors, the Warriors will present a tough challenge.

“It was like being in dream world. At halftime I remember thinking, ‘I don’t know how this has happened’,” Bellamy said.

“But it’s proven over the years they’re pretty tight games and we’re expecting another one…”

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney said that last year his team was still caught up in a big win the previous round against St George Illawarra but would be better prepared this time.

“We were full of ourselves going to Melbourne and they came out and started really quickly … with some tries that I don’t think I’ve seen before in the competition and we just couldn’t find our way back,” Kearney said.

“It’s just about being ready, that’s really important for us.

“That’s what we’re focusing on this week.”

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