Addo-Carr’s speech to teammates lit spark for Storm’s season

MELBOURNE Storm’s charge to the grand final began in a small meeting room at AAMI Park in Melbourne on May 4, the first day back from the COVID break.

The first person to speak was not coach Craig Bellamy or captain Cameron Smith.

Winger Josh Addo-Carr climbed out of his seat to address the team.

The Storm flyer was back in town after being charged by police for the unauthorised use of a firearm and breaking COVID non-essential travel rules by spending a weekend on Latrell Mitchell’s farm.

Storm’s long-time football manager Frank Ponissi can clearly remember it.

“It was the very first thing we did,” Ponissi said, “There was an elephant in the room that needed to be addressed.

“Josh knew that any time anyone stuffs up at this club, there’s an expectation that you front up to your mates to explain yourself.”

It was an emotional few minutes that kick-started the Storm campaign that leads them to ANZ Stadium on Sunday for the decider against the Panthers. Addo-Carr fought back tears as he spoke.

“Josh wasn’t in a great head space and he was very emotional,” Ponissi said, “His voice was quivering. He was uncomfortable and it could have gone either way but he spoke from the heart and the boys really appreciated it.”

Addo-Carr spoke on Sunday for the first time about his speech to the team, saying it was more nerve-wracking than anything he’s faced on a field.

“We all know about the Storm culture and expectations. The boys are proud of it.

“I’ll be forever grateful they accepted my apology and agreed to move on.”

Making it more important for Addo-Carr, he knew this season would be his last in a Melbourne Storm jersey.

The change in Addo-Carr’s standing around the club has been huge, according to super coach Craig Bellamy.

“He’s really come on as a bit of a leader around the place,” Bellamy said. “He has really matured … We’re all really proud of him.”