Storm must adapt to faster game – Smith
SKIPPER Cameron Smith admits Melbourne failed to adapt as well to the pace of the game under the NRL’s new one-referee system in its 22-6 NRL loss to Canberra.
Coach Craig Bellamy didn’t hold back in his review of Saturday night’s error-ridden performance against the Raiders, who have now won their last three matches in Melbourne.
The Raiders had just pipped the Storm in their last two meetings in Melbourne but the Storm were completely outplayed in their first match back from the coronavirus shutdown.
While Canberra didn’t skip a beat, particularly in the first half as it raced to an 18-6 lead, the Storm looked like they barely knew each other.
Melbourne had more runs, more run metres and more tackle busts than the visitors but only managed to complete 27 of 40 sets, with errors ending most attacking raids.
“That’s always hard to hear from your coach, when he says he is embarrassed with your performance,” said Smith.
“My feeling was more disappointed with our performance because I know we are a much better football side than that.
“I just think the Raiders played a better style of football — they adapted much better to the one referee — that’s what I believe has increased the speed of the game.”
Bellamy said his team needed a “mentality adjustment” and he would be seeking out individuals through the week to address their failings.
He was most concerned about their clunky attack and lack of communication and commitment in defence.
“I thought we did a lot of things that suited the individual and didn’t suit the team,” Bellamy said.
“It’s the individuals adjusting their mentality to what is right for the team and not is what is right for them.
“Hopefully this is a blip on the radar but it’s a pretty big blip, to be quite honest.”
The Storm host Souths, who were also round three losers, on Friday night and Smith predicted there would be plenty of match review before then.
“There is a lot of vision we will have to go over but maybe the short turnaround will be a really, really good thing for us,” Smith said.
“Everyone is going to go away and have a close look at their own game and look at what they can improve on for next week.”