Storm look to life after Moule

Melbourne Storm captain Stephen Kearney believes the club will put the events of this week behind them following the departure of centre Aaron Moule on Tuesday.

As the fifth placed Storm travel to Townsville today for tomorrow?s night clash with the Cowboys (7.30pm), Kearney is adamant Melbourne can move on from this latest setback amid an already crippling backdrop of injury.

?Obviously it?s sad for the game to lose a player of that talent and for the playing group and the club it?s sad to lose a very good friend, but at the end of the day the club still has to operate and move along,? the Kiwi international said.

?We?ve all got jobs to do and the simple facts are that we?ve got to get on and do them.

?Sure, we?ve been dealt more than our fair share of injuries and setbacks thus far but I think we?ve done pretty well under the circumstances.?

With nine players on the Storm?s roster still sidelined through injury ? four of which will miss the entire season - Kearney paid tribute to the resourcefulness and determination of rookie coach Craig Bellamy.

?The strong attitude of the playing group has to be attributed to Craig and the character and mentality he has instilled in the club,? the 30-year-old said.

?We always seem to have some dilemma each week whether it be injury or other circumstances such as Aaron?s (departure) but there?s really no point in dwelling on the situation because it doesn?t achieve anything.

?Craig?s adopted that mentality and it?s transferred to the group.

?What he (Bellamy0) has been dealt with in the past six weeks, I?m quite certain he hasn?t had that amount of drama in all the time he was with Brisbane and Canberra and it?s a real test for Craig, Dean (Lance) and the group and so far they?ve been fantastic.?

The former New Zealand captain is wary of the Storm?s impressive 5-0 record at Dairy Farmers Stadium but believes last Saturday?s loss to Manly will serve as motivation this week.

?Anytime you go up there (Townsville) it?s a danger game and there are a lot of factors to take in to account.

?I just think that with the disappointment of last week we can use that as a stepping stone to achieve what we want this weekend.?

For further information contact:

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