STORM TAKE PRIDE IN DEFYING THEIR CRITICS

THREE times Melbourne Storm were supposed to fall off a competitive cliff as the three best players in the club’s history retired or moved on.

But sitting on the verge of back-to-back NRL grand final appearances, Storm co-captain Dale Finucane has revealed just how the club has answered the critics each time.

As Finucane prepares to lead the Storm in the preliminary final against the Panthers on Saturday he also revealed how one of those legends, Billy Slater, continues to drive standards in a decisive way.

Cooper Cronk was the first of the famed “big three” to leave the Storm, moving to the Roosters at the end of 2017.

Then Slater retired at the end of 2018 and finally the best of them all, Cameron Smith, sailed off into the sunset after last year’s grand final triumph.

On each occasion Finucane heard the talk that the Storm’s glory days were over, but with a win on Saturday night Melbourne will play their fifth grand final in six years – the first without any of Cronk, Slater or Smith.

“At the start of the year people were saying ‘there is no Cameron Smith’. Every time someone influential has left the side that has been the narrative – whether it be Cooper, Billy or Cam – but this side has continued to flourish,” Finucane said.

“Craig Bellamy has a lot to do with that. He’s been the nucleus of it that last two decades.

“Something Craig speaks about is the ‘next man up’ mentality, whether that be a key position player or whoever. He lets it be known that the expectation is not to do what the player before them did, but to play to their own strengths.

“Just look at Jahrome Hughes. He started in the fullback role but has transitioned into the halves and done an outstanding job.”

Back-rower Felise Kaufusi said it was a case of sink or swim when the greats left.

“I don’t know that even we thought that we’d be as good or cope as well without Cameron,” Kaufusi said.

“I guess it is like throwing someone who can’t swim into the ocean and seeing if they can swim or float. I think our spine players have stepped up and really guided this team.”

Finucane has been thrilled with the form of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nicho Hynes in the fullback position, but said Slater’s continued influence on the duo could not be underestimated.

“I look particularly at the fullback position and how involved Billy is with those guys still even though he is not at the club,” Finucane said.

“He is always sending those guys videos and on the phone to them and talking technically and tactically to them ... and keeps them accountable for their job.”

Smith’s replacements have been a “two for the price of one” one-two punch of Brandon Smith and Harry Grant.

“They are both different hookers to Cameron. Cameron’s smarts were like no other player I have ever seen, and he had that great kicking game,” Finucane said.

“Brandon and Harry have a dynamic running game and craft around the ruck as well. Brandon’s ability to play lock as well frees up the time for Harry to play at hooker.”