Melbourne Storm’s code-hopping centre Will Chambers has been forced to go back to tackle school to resurrect his NRL career.

Chambers, who spent two seasons with the Queensland Reds playing Super Rugby, was one of the stars in Melbourne’s 34-22 win over Newcastle at AAMI Park on Friday night as the Storm stretched their unbeaten start to five victories.

It was his second start this year since re-joining the Storm, who he left after their 2009 grand final win.

Coach Craig Bellamy said he was pleased with Chambers’ progress but said he needed plenty of tackle practice to get his game right after his return to league.

“It’s just his defence, there’s a couple of areas he needs to improve in,” Bellamy said.

“He played union for two years and he’s got some habits from union where he basically tackles someone and lets them go pretty quickly and in this game you need to hang on to them for a little bit longer.

“He took a couple of steps forward from last week and I’m sure we’ll see him continue to improve.”

The burly 23-year-old used his brute strength to push defence aside to charge across the tryline, and he also set up another try when he scooped up a Knights fumble and charged downfield before off-loading to his winger Matt Duffie.

“He’s a big guy and he’s got good foot-work and pace for a big guy so he’s always going to be a bit of a handful with the footy,” Bellamy said.

Chambers laughed when he heard Bellamy’s assessment but agreed, saying it had taken some time to adapt.

“It’s still tough and I’m still finding my feet at stages,” he said.

“When I first came back I was just tackling people and letting them go, doing some stuff in my defence that they don’t do down here but I’ve slowly fixed that up.”

The Northern Territory-born product said he noticed the NRL had quickened in his absence.

“The game’s a lot different and a lot faster than when I last played it.

“The speed’s picked up and the attack’s a lot better but I feel like I’m getting there.”