In his 150th first-grade match, Storm utility Ryan Hinchcliffe will be looking for his side to return to form this weekend when they face the Titans at AAMI Park on Sunday.
Hinchcliffe says there are key elements to focus on in the wake of a defeat that saw Canterbury-Bankstown pile on 28 points in the second half.
“Defensively I think we really need to tighten up, we were all certainly a bit loose around the middle of the field and also on our edges, so I think that’ll be our big focus this week,” the 29-year old told the media on Tuesday.
Fan Up with the Family. Be there for the Storm v Titans clash at AAMI Park, Sunday 6th April at the family friendly time of 2:00pm
He highlighted that not only will there be an aim to retain possession, but to follow it up with solid defensive efforts.
“We didn’t do that (last weekend), we know that and that’s something that we have prided ourselves on for a long time and that’s something that we’ll be looking at this weekend.”
Gold Coast currently sit fourth on the NRL Ladder, one position ahead of Melbourne, after wins over Cronulla, Canberra and North Queensland.
Hinchcliffe said he sees the recent success of the Titans as more of an opportunity than a headache for the Storm.
“They’re a really good side, they had a good win last night – no doubt they’ll come down here full of confidence so it shapes as a good contest for us on Sunday,” Hinchcliffe said.
A win against the Titans would be icing on the cake for Hinchcliffe, who will reach his 150th milestone after 125 games at Storm.
“It’s something that I’m definitely very proud of especially to be able to play the majority of them at the Melbourne Storm,” Hinchcliffe said.
“It’s just a great club full of great people and I’m very proud that I can pull on the Storm jersey each week and play.
“I’ll play for as long as my body allows me to play and as long as I can still do my job.”
