You cannot stop Jason Taumalolo.
That might seem like a strange approach to take into Sunday’s Grand Final however there is a method to the madness.
Melbourne are under no illusions about just how important Taumalolo is to North Queensland.
To put his power into perspective, the Kiwi superstar has averaged 209 metres per game in 2017. He has also ran for nearly 700 metres more than any other player in the NRL.
Those numbers might seem intimidating but rather than shy away from the challenge, the Storm pack is looking to respond with a well thought out approach.
“I don’t think you can stop him, you just try and limit his impact as much as you can,” Storm assistant coach Jason Ryles said.
“He is a once-in-a-generation type of player.
“He is big, powerful, has got great footwork and he also plays big minutes as well. He is as good as you’ll see as far as a middle forward is concerned.”
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As the forwards coach, Ryles will have a key influence in negotiating the all-important battle up the middle on Sunday.
Over the last two years he has overseen the remarkable development of the Storm pack.
The cohesion between all its members, both young and old, has culminated into providing their side with the opportunity they now have before them on Sunday night.
“It has been pretty well documented how well they have played this year and it is down to how hard they work off the field,” Ryles said.
“On the field Nelson has come along in leaps and bounds, Jesse has led the way for most of the year and Cameron does a really good job at dummy half.
“They have all done their part so we will look to do the same again this week.”
