Timely Wake Up Call For Storm

Melbourne Storm halfback Matt Orford believes Saturday?s loss to Newcastle will serve as an opportune wakeup call following the first month of the NRL Telstra Premiership season.

After enjoying a 2-0 start to the season ? as well as a bye round ? Orford says a feeling of complacency had infiltrated the club, something that won?t be a part of the preparation for Saturday?s return clash with the Sharks.

?We all thought we were going pretty well with two wins and bye to start the year,? Orford said.

?But Saturday was a reality check for us and it is a good wakeup call because the next couple of games are very important.

?First and foremost we?ve got the Sharks this weekend which isn?t going to be any easier than the Knights because they (Sharks) have had a poor start to the year and I?m sure they would want to change that.?

The Storm has never gone scoreless in its 135 game history but after trailing 32-0 at the main break at EnergyAustralia Stadium this record looked to be in some danger.

It further highlighted the club?s inability to fire from the outset when travelling away from home ? a definite problem last year that was also evident at Toyota Park against the Sharks in round one.

?When we play away we?re just not turning up ready to go,? Orford added.

?It takes us a half to switch on and no doubt the coaching staff will want to address that this week because we don?t seem to have any problems starting well when we play at home.?

However a late flurry of tries thanks to greater possession in the second half helped the visitors gain some respectability on the scoreboard.

?It goes to show that when we have the ball and maintain possession we can score tries quite quickly,? Orford said.

?But the underlying factor is that we have plenty to work on over the next few weeks.?

Scott Hill will be monitored throughout the week as he attempts to overcome a shoulder injury suffered in round one.

A positive on the Storm?s injury front was Robbie Ross and Aaron Moule getting through the weekend unscathed.

STORM TRAINING THIS WEEK:

Tuesday: 10am, Gosch?s Paddock Wednesday: 3pm, Gosch?s Paddock Friday: 4.30pm, Olympic Park

For further information contact

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