Mark Nicholls has had to work for every minute of playing time this year because his own teammates are breathing down his neck.
The performances of the playing group at both NRL and reserve grade level means there is fierce competition for spots in Craig Bellamy's side.
Storm v Eels at AAMI Park. July 8. Book now!
Storm currently sit two games clear on top of the NRL ladder while the Club's feeder sides Sunshine Coast Falcons and Easts Tigers sit second and fifth respectively on the Intrust Super Cup ladder.
Strong form lines across the board are putting the pressure on those in the NRL side, making for a healthy dose of competition.
"There is a lot of talent at this Club, great depth and both feeder teams are going really well this year," Nicholls said.
"It is bringing out the best in the 17 who get picked in the NRL each week because you know that if you don't perform then someone is going to take your spot.
"When you get there you want to do everything you can to stay there and that is what I am going to do for the rest of the year.
"If I can hopefully get more games and do the role that Craig gives me every week, hopefully we can have more success because it was a great feeling getting a win like that."
Nicholls speaks of Saturday night's golden point triumph over the Cowboys at AAMI Park.
The 27-year-old played a crucial 29 minutes off the bench, making 21 tackles and averaging more than 15 metres per run.
He also put his body on the line in the first hit-up of Storm's match-winning play, which gave him the best seat in the house for Brodie Croft's clutch field goal.
"I had a carry off the drop out two plays before and got a hit on the eye so it took me a while to get back up," Nicholls said.
"I probably should have been trying to block one of the markers but instead I was behind him so I had a good view of it. I might have gone off a bit early (with the celebration) but it went straight through.
"It was good because I have been playing all year with Crofty at Easts Tigers and he's won a few games up there off his field goal."
Storm now travel to the Adelaide Oval to take on the Sydney Roosters this Saturday night.
