Only days away from his side’s blockbuster clash with South Sydney Rabbitohs, Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith is confident his side can build on last weekend’s victory against the Eels in Parramatta.
Speaking to a gathered media at Crown Melbourne, Smith highlighted the importance of last weekend’s win over the Parramatta Eels in Sydney, acknowledging an improved second half performance.
“It was a strong win, a great performance by the boys, particularly the second half,” said Smith.
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“I think the first half was lacking a bit of intensity, probably from both teams, but the game was there to be taken by the scruff of the neck – and we did that – so that was pleasing.
“I thought we played a really controlled second half, when we play like that, we’re usually pretty hard to beat.”
Smith attributed Storm’s second half attacking display to a more simplistic approach which yielded three second half tries against the Eels.
“I think we simplified things more in that match on the weekend, more so in the second half, we just have to put our fancy football away sometimes and just play footy that builds pressure on the opposition rather than on ourselves,” Smith said.
“That was another pleasing aspect of our game, we didn’t resort to any big plays or cheap points, we worked for our points – they came late – but we got them on the board in the end.
“We need to work hard and we know that and if we do the points will come for us and that’s on the back of some great attitude towards our defence this year as well, it’s a part of our game that hasn’t been so strong over the last twelve months.
This season, Storm has the second best defensive record in the competition, an area Smith said has been a focus in the opening two months.
“We leaked a few points throughout the season last year and this year has been a whole lot better,” Smith said.
“I think we’re second defensively in the whole competition this year and that’s great because I know the coach has got a smile on his face because of it.
“I think all round we’re just playing with a more simpler game plan and there’s a lot of belief within the boys with the way we go about things.”
