Resilient Cowboys storm to a high level of respect

IT was perhaps the ultimate compliment in rugby league.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy had just watched his celebrated team get defeated by 30 points, its worst loss in more than a decade, when he was asked if he could recognise traces of the Storm identity within that imposing Cowboys performance.

“I didn’t see it in our blokes,” Bellamy replied.

“With all due respect, they just out-competed us tonight.”

For Bellamy’s opposite number there could be no higher praise, having striven to instil the values of competing for everything, mental toughness and resilience in his Cowboys. Todd Payten paused when told of Bellamy’s endorsement.

The ultimate compliment? “Yeah, absolutely,” he said. “They’ve been the benchmark organisation for 10 years or more now. “Competing is in their DNA and we worked really hard on that part of our game this off-season and at the start of this season. “To hear that I think is good for the lads.”