Storm Reclaim Pride In The Jersey

Melbourne centre Steven Bell believes the club has reclaimed pride in the Storm jersey after showing great courage and tenacity to come back from a 22-point deficit against the Sharks in Cronulla yesterday.

Bell was one of the hero?s for the Storm after his second half hat trick set up a memorable win for the 1999 premier in the most unlikely fashion.

?We?ve been trying to get back a bit of the pride in our jersey and maybe it wasn?t evident in the first 20 minutes yesterday but it certainly was in the last 60,? Bell explained.

?In some ways it wasn?t a great win because of our defence in the first half but it certainly was good for team spirit. There?s definitely a bit of self believe in us now and we?ve found a never-say-die attitude and whilst we don?t want to get in that situation again we now know that we can pull ourselves out of it.?

Bell attributed Melbourne?s second half revival to ball control ? something the Storm failed to maintain in the opening 20 minutes of the match.

?I think it all came down to control, we just held on to the ball and then finally got a chance to complete a few sets and as soon as that happened we scored a few tries ? there?s no secret to it really,? Bell added.

Scott Hill will undergo an MRI today after leaving the field at the latter stages of yesterday?s match. Hill injured his left shoulder in a couple of heavy second half tackles but won?t known the full extent of the injury until later tonight.

PNG flyer Marcus Bai will undergo a fitness test this week after straining his hamstring in Sunday?s match.

Fullback Robbie Ross will also be tested this week as he recovers from a hip flexor strain that ruled him out of the season opener.

The Storm returns to Olympic Park this Saturday for its first home game of the year when it takes on the Panthers at 5.30pm.

With no AFL being played in Melbourne this weekend the Storm is offering a special ticket price to all AFL and AFL club members. Adults with 2002 or 2003 AFL or AFL club memberships will gain entry for just $10 (kids $2.50) at this Saturday?s Storm/Penrith match.

STORM TRAINING THIS WEEK:

Tuesday: Gosch?s Paddock, 2pm Wednesday: Olympic Park, 2pm Friday: Olympic Park, 5pm

For further information contact

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