THE PERFECT STORM

Far North star says Melbourne exit proves Bellamy’s class

THE reason Semi Tadulala was dumped from the Storm more than a decade ago is the same one that has the Far North resident convinced the NRL crown is destined for Melbourne.

Tadulala, who retired following the 2015 season with the Northern Pride, says coach Craig Bellamy’s decision to overhaul the Storm’s culture is the real secret to the club’s ongoing success.

Coach Bellamy’s first season at the helm, 2003, was Tadulala’s last in Victoria.

The winger headed the list of players axed as the new coach swept a broom through the club to erase a poor culture.

An honest Tadulala says he was right to be chopped but rather than begrudge the decision, 13 years on it’s why he’s convinced the Storm can win Sunday’s final.

“Everyone knows how Melbourne play but it’s still hard to beat them,” Tadulala said.

“Bellyache is the best coach I have ever been under.

“It was just the culture that he brought in. At the time I was a bit of a party boy.

“Unfortunately for me I was too busy partying, not playing.

“I think about it a bit and if I concentrated on playing footy I probably would have still been there.”

The Storm’s seventh grand final appearance is no fluke, Tadulala says.

“The culture (Bellamy) brought in was a winning culture and it wasn’t just what he said,” he said.

“The first time he spoke to the players you just knew he was different.

“He said from the start he didn’t care if you had played for Australia, you had to perform and put the effort in.

“He brought in the culture that players want to play for him.”

The legacy of Bellamy’s tenure extends beyond those lining up on Sunday.

“That’s where my career started and I still feel a part of it,” Tadulala said.

“All the old boys stay in touch, but some of the guys there now also get involved.

“I’m a Storm man through and through.”

Tadulala, though, has a soft spot for the Sharks given he lined up with an 18-year-old Jayson Bukuya at the 2008 World Cup.