Storm needs to address momentum shifts after horror show in Brisbane

Momentum shifts can define matches and a big reveal from Storm fullback Nick Meaney has highlighted just how significant they can be in finals.

Storm fullback Nick Meaney has a job to do against the Roosters. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

Melbourne Storm fullback Nick Meaney has revealed the startling statistic uncovered in the review of his team‘s opening finals thrashing that looms as a key area to avoid a straight-sets exit against the Roosters on Friday night.

A 26-0 thrashing at Suncorp Stadium last weekend was compounded by injuries to backline stars Ryan Papenhuyzen and Xavier Coates, forcing coach Craig Bellamy to make three changes for the must-win clash at AAMI Park.

Senior players including key playmakers Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes and Meaney all put their hands up in the aftermath, conceding there was a break in the team’s on-field connection and all vowed to respond.

But the statistical revelation that Storm game up 28 “momentum changes” to the Broncos proved most alarming, nearly doubling Melbourne’s season average.

Momentum changes relate to things like mistakes and penalties and Meaney said given the impact such shifts could have on games, especially finals, it demanded attention from the players with their season now on the line.

“We weren’t connected and I think across the whole board, no one was really connected, which is sad to say after we played some good footy towards the back end of the season,” Meaney said.

“But there was a stat in the review that we had 28 momentum changes, where you let them off with a knock-on or a penalty or a six-again, so we had 28 of those moments, and we were only averaging about 15 during the year. That’s a lot.

Melbourne Storm had no answers for the Broncos in Brisbane. Picture: Adam Head

“When you double your score, your averages, that puts you in a poor position to win the game.

“We can minimise some of them and next minute we’re back in the fight.

“We know we have got points in the team and we just have to be in the right position to score those points.”

In the long-term absence of Papenhuyzen, who only made his NRL return in round 26 before hurting himself again in Brisbane, Meaney has been a mainstay in the Storm backline that has endured constant change.

This week he’ll reunite with Justin Olam and Reimis Smith, who return to the line-up, with Smith taking over from Coates on the wing.

Meaney conceded the moving parts had an impact, but coach Craig Bellamy’s demand for each player to “play your role” had always been at the core of Storm’s success, and changing faces shouldn’t be an excuse.

“It does impact a little bit, more so when we’re running shapes just knowing how fast the guy is or if he likes to step off his left back inside or if he likes to go on the out. Just little details like that you do have to change and be aware of,” Meaney said.

“But again, it comes back to my own game and (if) I know that guy is going to be there I need to be able to put the ball in the right position for him and communicate with the other spine members to get the ball so you know.

Ryan Papenhuyzen screams in agony after breaking his ankle. Picture: NRL Photos

“It’s what training is for. We go out there and train each week and try and make it as smooth as possible when the changes.”

Meaney also knows the pressure is on for him to deliver a finals performance befitting the stellar output from past Storm fullbacks. After scoring seven tries across the opening seven games of the season, Meaney has crossed the stripe just three times since.

“It‘s a team sport, not an individual sport and I think that’s where it starts from, trying to do things outside the system,” he said.

“I think that’s what Craig always talks about, do your job, that helps the team.”

Originally published as Storm needs to address momentum shifts after horror show in Brisbane