Storm Centre William Chambers says Manly-Warringah will provide a tough test for Melbourne in Saturday night's season opener.
Melbourne will face last year's Grand Finalists, travelling to Brookvale Oval, a venue where Storm have had mixed results in the past, winning four games and losing nine.
"Its going to be tough, they're a great side and battle hardened. You know what you're going to get from Manly this weekend," Chambers said.
"They are going to turn up, they are going to be physical, the crowd is going to get behind them.
"Its a good benchmark to see where we're at and how our pre-season has gone."
After a long and hot pre-season, Storm finalised their preparations for the upcoming season on the Sunshine Coast last week before returning to Melbourne on Thursday. Just five days out from their Round 1 opener, Melbourne's focus is now firmly on the Sea Eagles.
"Its exciting, pre-season has been long and hard and its always exciting this time of year finally playing for the two points," Chambers said.
"It takes a few games to get match fitness but we are as good as you can be."
Injuries to experienced outside backs Matt Duffie and Justin O'Neill may pave the way for Melbourne's youngsters in the opening rounds of 2014. Chambers is confident there are plenty of options in Storm's ranks.
"We've got a few good kids coming through and they get an opportunity now," Chambers said.
"You've got young kids like Young (Tonumaipea) coming through, Richie Kennar, Mahe (Fonua), Travis Robinson is coming back from his knee.
"There are opportunities there for the boys and its up to them whether they want to take it or not, its exciting."
