Melbourne Storm legend Billy Slater is in awe of how his former teammates and their families have turned being away from home for over 100 days into a potential NRL premiership.
Via Roy Ward/The Age.
But as the Storm prepares for Sunday's grand final against the Penrith Panthers, Slater is convinced his club won't get the acknowledgment they deserve should they claim the title.
The Storm, who are playing in their fourth grand final in five seasons, have maintained an adapt and survive mindset since the COVID-19 pandemic struck and it was clear they would face disruptions throughout 2020.
That mindset has included strict instructions not to complain in public about the shortcomings of living away from home for the season as club leaders knew such complaints would look bad to supporters back home facing professional, financial and personal losses.
Only two NRL clubs were forced to move away from home this season - the Storm, and the New Zealand Warriors, who left their families in Auckland and spent the campaign on tour.
The Warriors, who finished 10th with an 8-12 record, were praised throughout the league for their sacrifice as it allowed the season to go ahead in its full form.
