The Origin period has not been a time of year that Storm fans have traditionally looked forward to in the past.
It is a time of year that presents significant challenges for Melbourne who have traditionally had a strong representation in the NRL’s showpiece.
Storm fans have reason to worry whenever this part of the seasons rolls around but this year that all changed.
Melbourne has just emerged from its most successful Origin period in six years.
Be at AAMI Park when we take on the Roosters, Saturday 23 July, 7:30pm.
The side’s 5-1 record is its best performance during a State of Origin series since 2011.
What makes Storm’s five wins in 2016 even more impressive is that the previous three Origin periods have produce a combined total of just six wins.
Melbourne had also experienced an average losing margin of nearly 15 points during this time.
There is no doubt the Club’s improvement this year is largely down to the emergence of several leaders within the side.
With Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk absent through Origin duty, Blake Green and Jesse Bromwich have stepped up both on and off the field.
Both players were promoted to the Club’s leadership group in the off-season and that decision seems to have paid dividends.
Storm’s emerging leaders group has also taken on added responsibility to help steer the side successfully through the middle part of the season.
Melbourne now finds itself with a 14-3 record and in second spot on the NRL ladder.
It is the best position the Club has found itself in after 19 rounds since the 2012 season.
So as the boys enter the business end of the year, they will do so on the back of some great form and momentum with four of the remaining seven games at home on AAMI Park.
