It is one of the most impressive winning streaks in the NRL – not to mention one of the most lucrative.
The Storm are chasing their 22nd consecutive round-one victory on Friday night, against reigning champions Penrith.
Had you placed a $10 all-up with the TAB on the Storm to win that very first game back in 2002, and reinvested the winnings on the same bet each year since then, you’d be sitting on a whopping $255,179. The Storm are $2.45 outsiders at AAMI Park, and if you let it ride, that bet would now be worth a potential $625,000.
Coach Craig Bellamy knows his gruelling pre-season regime helps his players cope with the physical demands early in the season, while a historically healthy Origin representation also placed an extra importance on starting the year well.
“If you know you’re going to have some players in [State of] Origin, you need to start the season well,” Bellamy said.
“At some stage with your Origin guys, it doesn’t matter how long they play for [each Origin game], or how many games they play [in the series], they come back physically and mentally a bit flat.
Chasing 22: Craig BellamyCredit: Getty Images
“You build yourself up for these Origin games, then you come back to earth when you’re playing at one of the suburban grounds at 7.30pm on a Saturday and it’s pissing down rain. It’s not the same.
“We’ve always wanted to start the season well. But it will test us this year with the premiers [Penrith], and we know what they’re capable of doing.”
Cameron Smith kicked a field goal in golden point to defeat Manly in round one, 2014, after the Storm trailed 20-0 after half an hour. And it should be noted the Storm lost their first of the 2004 season, but it was round two after they had the bye to start that campaign.
The Storm’s brilliant streak almost ended again last year, only for Harry Grant to score in golden point against Parramatta.
The Panthers welcome back Jarome Luai, while Melbourne lose their own five-eighth, Cameron Munster, to a groin injury he suffered slipping in a hotel shower.
Penrith, however, did have to travel to the other side of the world for the World Club Challenge, a game they controversially lost to Wigan.
“There’s never a good time to get them,” Bellamy said. “Whether they’ve got more determination now after not having success over there ... I was hoping they would win and then get on the drink for a week to celebrate. But I know [even then] they’re too professional for that.
“It is a long way over there. It’s a big game, the World Club Challenge. They will be a bit jaded from the travel, but we expect them to be at 100 per cent.”
Storm legend Billy Slater laughed when told about Bellamy’s explanation about the club needing to burst out of the blocks because of the pending Origin lull.
“I think Craig is lying to you – I don’t think he thinks that much,” Slater joked.
“He’s the kind of guy who expects your best performance every performance. He’s a really consistent person. The pre-seasons are tough, but there is no timing of your run, and it’s about being at your best with your first effort.
“It’s a good record. It doesn’t surprise me, but it will be tough taking on the three-time reigning premiers.”
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now