No travel fear for Storm
PLAYING the NRL preliminary final against Sydney Roosters in enemy territory holds no fear for Melbourne, whose away record has been so good this season they have even tried to simulate that experience when they play at home.
While the Storm are playing in their fifth consecutive grand final qualifier, it’s the first away from Melbourne since 2008, when they knocked off Cronulla at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Melbourne has only lost five times this season, four of those at home, including its qualifying final against Canberra.
In contrast, the Roosters have won nine-straight matches at the SCG, outscoring their opponents 336-72 in the process.
Storm lock Dale Finucane thought the structure of an away game helped the team’s focus.
“Our away record has been better this year than at home for whatever reason, I think because we’ve got that more structured set-up of the day,” Finucane said.
“When we are away we’re all together and we go for a team walk … we come back together two-and-half hours before the game and have a meeting before you get on the bus, so by structuring it that way it gives the boys more of a focus before they come into the game.”
Due to Melbourne’s impressive away record he said they tried to replicate it before their rousing semi-final win against Parramatta by following the same process.
Five-eighth Cameron Munster hasn’t played on the SCG but has had some big game experience on ovals — this year playing State of Origin with Queensland on Perth’s Optus Oval and also the round 15 match against the Roosters on Adelaide Oval.
Last year he was part of the losing Maroons squad that played on the MCG.