NRL 2021: Melbourne star Christian Welch reveals what makes Storm so special

As Christian Welch provides an insight into why Melbourne Storm are such a special team, another amazing record has come into view, one that resonates with Bulldogs fans.

Harry Grant celebrates scoring a try with his Storm teammates.

It is what you don’t recognise which makes the Melbourne Storm so great.

That is according to prop Christian Welch who gave a little insight into the Storm juggernaut which is now not only looking to become the first team to win 20 consecutive matches but also complete a rare clean-sweep of the competition.

While it may seem an eternity ago for Eels fans, Parramatta were one of the last teams to beat the Storm back in round two. The two sides square off next Saturday.

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Christian Welch on the charge for the Melbourne Storm. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The Panthers beat Melbourne in round three, but lost to the Storm in round 20.

A victory against Parramatta would see the Storm become just the sixth team to complete an NRL-era season clean sweep of their rivals.

Only Canterbury in 2004 have been able to win a match against every side and take out the premiership decider.

Welch said the Storm’s definition of what makes a player elite is different to those from outside the club.

“We value the things which win football games,” Welch said.

“Running metres is a high thing for pundits but there is so much more to the role of a ruck forward. Running metres is basically irrelevant.

The great Bulldogs team of 2004 beat all comers before taking the decider.

“There are things which impact a team winning – effort areas, putting pressure on – which makes this team successful. Everyone at the club knows their role.”

The Storm took a moment to saviour equalling the mighty Roosters’ 1975 winning streak. They had a day off on Friday before refocusing on the No.1 task.

“It’s a nice accomplishment and reward for this group,” Welch said.

“We were aware of the record but the main goal is to win the premiership. (Coach Craig Bellamy) is an old dog, he was around (to watch) the Roosters team. He spoke about how talented and special that group was.

“He is not the biggest one for celebrating but he said to soak it in.”

While Welch has tasted success at the Storm, Reimis Smith quickly learnt why this club was different after joining them this year.

Harry Grant celebrates scoring a try with his Storm teammates.

Smith and Nicho Hynes are the only Storm players to feature in each of the 19 wins. For Smith he has already won more games this season than in his previous 49 matches.

“It didn’t take me long to work out how much they all care for each other,” Smith said.

“This club is built on hard work. In pre-season working hard, the coaching staff notice that and form that bond.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: Melbourne star Christian Welch reveals what makes Storm so special