A slow start proved costly for Melbourne as they slumped to a 26-16 defeat at the hands of the Broncos on Friday night.
Storm were simply unable to generate any real momentum on the night.
The coach conceded his side’s slow start proved the difference in the end.
“I just thought we were really poor defensively, especially in the first half,” Craig Bellamy said.
“Our first three or four sets they scored two tries in the first seven or eight minutes, both off fifth tackles.
Be at AAMI Park when we take on the Sharks, Saturday 3 September, 7:30pm.
“Having said that we were poor early in the sets to let them go that far, poor reads, poor effort put us behind the eight ball to be quite honest.
“I thought our second half was a lot better but the horse had basically bolted from there.”
Storm committed 12 errors, four more than their season average, and completed 77% of their sets.
It did not click on the night but next Saturday night against the Sharks presents the perfect opportunity to bounce back to form.
“You can’t afford to start like that against good sides,” Cameron Smith said.
“We are all very disappointed with the effort that we put in, particularly in the first half.
“In saying that… I’m confident this team can move forward and be better. There is a good opportunity next week against another quality opposition in the Sharks.”
