Storm star denies dirty deeds
Kiwis forward Tohu Harris has dismissed the ongoing claims about the Storm’s controversial tactics in the ruck, saying that every NRL club uses similar techniques.
Harris, who will be a vital cog in the Melbourne machine in tomorrow’s grand final, added that his team are not doing anything “illegal or dangerous”.
Craig Bellamy’s side are longestablished masters at slowing down the play the ball, having used a variety of methods over the years. There has been an increased focus on their actions during this finals series, especially after the Cowboys claimed three of their players suffered neck injuries in their qualifying final clash three weeks ago — although an NRL investigation found no case to answer.
There were also some notable incidents last week against Canberra, with Joseph Tapine concussed by a swinging arm and Josh Hodgson the victim of an apparent “crusher” tackle.
“We don’t go out there to hurt people,” said Harris. “And we are not doing anything illegal or dangerous. Defence is the most important part of the NRL and you want to dominate in the tackle and slow the play the ball. Every team does it and we are no different.”
The battle at the ruck will be the deciding factor tomorrow, as the Sharks’ aggressive pack are equally adept at stopping momentum after the tackle, with smothering tactics.
“They are a huge challenge, said Harris. “They will test us out through the middle all night and, if we don’t respond, we’ll be in trouble.”
Harris is playing in his first grand final this weekend and admits to being unsure of how he will handle the occasion.
But the 24- year- old has excelled with every stern test of his league life so far; from being one of two picked from more than a hundred triallists at a Wellington trial for the Storm when he was still at high school, to coping with the famously brutal pre- seasons in Melbourne as a teenager. He’s one of the first picked for the Kiwis — he stood out on the tour of England last year — and is recognised as one of the most consistent forwards in the NRL.
But there might be nerves ahead before the NRL’s big dance?
“I don’t know how I will feel,” said Harris. “You do all the preparation but obviously it is more than just another game. I was there in the dressing room in 2012 ( the Storm beat the Bulldogs 14- 4) and I saw how much it meant to the team.”
If the Storm do prevail, success will have a distinctly Kiwi flavour. Jesse Bromwich is the game’s best all round prop, Kevin Proctor and Harris are among the premier second row combinations in the NRL and Kenny Bromwich has become a consistent impact player off the bench.
“They are all going well,” said Harris. “[ Kevin] has so much experience and I love playing with the [ Bromwich] brothers. They are such down to earth guys.”