Robbo to chalk up 50 games

On the verge of playing his 50th NRL game this weekend, Storm forward Peter Robinson says he never expected to reach the milestone when he first moved to Melbourne from the tiny mining town of Cobar in NSW.

?When I first left Cobar to come down (to Melbourne) for the 1999 pre-season full of tears in my eyes, I promised myself that I?d finish the pre-season and that was my main goal,? explained the 27-year-old.

?I didn?t ever think I?d do it (50 games), it?s a pretty good achievement and one that I?m proud of.?

A self-confessed late bloomer, ?Robbo? has been one of the Storm?s most consistent starting forwards this season, relishing the opportunity handed to him by coach Craig Bellamy.

?Coming to the club at age 22 I was a late developer, I couldn?t lift weights, I couldn?t do a chin-up or a sit-up but I guess I think I?ve learnt a little bit from each coach I?ve had,? Robinson added.

?You?re never too old to learn and Craig has really shown me another dimension which has further developed my game.?

Fittingly Robinson will share this weekend?s milestone with close friend and returning Storm halfback Matt Orford ? both have followed similar career paths in Melbourne.

?I remember leaning on the fence at Colonial Stadium in 2001 and I had just finished ten first grade games and I think he (Orford) had too. I said to him ?there?s ten games down ?Ox?, there?s nothing stopping us from getting to 100 now?,? Robinson recalls.

Orford?s 50th game for the Storm could not be timelier, with his opposite no.7 missing through suspension, Robinson believes the powerful halfback will come into his won.

?He (Orford) is so important to us, he guides us around the field and tells us where to go and this weekend is a good opportunity for Matty to stamp his authority on the game,? Robinson added.

?We?re aware of what they (Knights) can do and how many players they?ve got out, but the time you take the opposition lightly is the time you?re going to get a good whipping.?

Melbourne will finalise its team following today?s training session at 5pm (Olympic Park), no changes are expected to the 17 named earlier in the week.

For further information contact

James Avery: Phone (03) 9421 3222 Mobile: 0411 623 024 javery@melbournestorm.com.au