Storm expects closer game from stronger Warriors

MELBOURNE will settle for a win over the Warriors on Sunday, downplaying its chances of replicating its stunning Round 8 performance, which was its NRL season benchmark.

The red-hot Storm is gunning for a seventh straight win when it travels to Auckland, but even the Storm admits its previous 50-10 scoreline could be beyond it.

Melbourne piled on six unanswered first-half tries to race to a 30-0 lead while its defensive effort was almost as impressive.

Coach Craig Bellamy described those opening 40 minutes as “surreal”. While that performance was a level to aspire to, Storm forward Kenny Bromwich predicted Sunday’s match would be much closer.

The Warriors are coming off an impressive 20-point away win over Brisbane. “We played pretty well in the first half and are expecting a different Warriors side come this weekend,” Bromwich said.

“They’ve got a really strong side and it’s a game we’re really looking forward to.”

The 26-year-old said the match-up with Warriors workhorse Simon Mannering, who this week announced his re- tirement at season’s end, would be special. The pair have roomed together in the New Zealand Test camp several times.

Bromwich said he was “surprised” by Mannering’s pending exit. “I thought he could play a bit longer,” he said.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Simon — he’s got a lot of time for everyone and is such a good person.”

The Storm will welcome back its State of Origin contingent as well as the likely return of lock Dale Finucane after a long stint on the sidelines with a frustrating thumb injury.

Bromwich expected Finucane to have an impact.

“He’s been on edge to come back for a while now and I can’t wait for him to come back,” Bromwich said.