Kearns To Heed Coach's Words

Melbourne Storm prop Robbie Kearns is determined to follow the advice of NSW coach Phil Gould and play a key role for his club this weekend just days after helping the Blues to a memorable State of Origin victory.

In what will be his second match in less than four days, Kearns is expecting big things from himself when he lines up for the Storm against the Panthers this Saturday at Penrith Stadium.

?Gus (Gould) emphasised the point that true champions will go back and win man of the match honours for their clubs this weekend,? Kearns said.

?He told us to go out there and do our best for our respective clubs and not take the soft option just because we?ve played Origin and because we?re in the Blues squad.?

With positions in the NSW side so fiercely contested, particularly in the forwards, the 31-year-old believes he has a point to prove this week with the Storm.

?With all the (NSW) forwards playing well at both club and Origin level, who?s to say what sort of team the selectors will pick for Origin two,? Kearns added.

?The Storm guys got me into the NSW side in the first place so I?m not going to let them down by not having a huge dig this weekend.?

After being forced to watch last week?s embarrassing loss to the Rabbitohs from the sidelines, the former Test front-rower says he is keen to help his side make amens this weekend against the high-flying Panthers.

?I watched the boys go round last weekend and I felt really helpless,? Kearns admitted.

?After the game I didn?t know where to look, all I could do was watch but if anything it?s probably motivated me to get out there and do well against Penrith this week.?

Following what was one of the most physical Origin encounters in recent times Kearns says he will ?most probably pull up a bit sore tomorrow but looking forward for Saturday?.

The Storm will have a final training session Friday morning (10am, Olympic Park) before finalising the squad for Saturday night?s clash.