Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater believes his side must improve on their Round 1 performance when they face the Panthers at AAMI Park on Saturday.
Storm staged a spectacular comeback in last weekend's season opener away against Manly Warringah. Slater praised Storm's second half resurgence while still identifying areas where Melbourne must tidy up their game.
"There's a fair bit to work on," Slater said.
"The first half last week we didn't build much pressure at all, we built a fair bit on ourselves actually so we'd like to turn that around.
"We got our fair share of possession and got ourselves in the spot to win the game.
"It was a great win and its great to be apart of those wins but you don't want to be doing that too often."
Melbourne will face Penrith on Saturday with the Panthers coming off an impressive Round 1 performance where they accounted for Newcastle 30-8. When asked about this week's opponent, Slater commended the resurgent Panthers.
"They look very bubbly at the moment. They certainly look like they are enjoying playing alongside each other," Slater said.
"They've certainly improved their squad with their halves partnership…they controlled the game last week.
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"I think they are a well balanced side, they are going to be hard to beat. We'd like to think that we are quite a good side as well and we'll be quite competitive."
In other news, Storm halfback Cooper Cronk has been named at halfback in Craig Bellamy's 18-man squad. The number seven looks to have overcome a shoulder injury and is set to line-up for his first game of 2014.
"He wasn't far away last week," Slater said.
"He's been training a fair bit on the field the last month or so.
"He's looking good for this weekend, obviously he has to get through the week and if all goes good I'm sure he'll take his place.
"He's an integral part of what we are about at the Melbourne Storm, he directs us around pretty well and brings a great kicking game into our side. We'll be looking forward to having him back."
Billy Slater looks forward to his 250th game. For more, click here.
