MELBOURNE Storm will look to turn the Brisbane Broncos' massive weight advantage against them by tiring out the giant forwards in tonight's National Rugby League grand final, Storm prop Brett White said yesterday.
The Broncos' starting pack, which has representative monsters Shane Webcke, Petero Civoniceva and Brad Thorn among its ranks, is more than 20 kilograms heavier, so Melbourne is likely to employ a tactical kicking game of keeping the ball in play, rather than finding touch, so that the big Broncos have less time to rest.
The agile and fast Storm forwards — Adam Blair and Antonio Kaufusi are both remarkably nimble for front-rowers — and classy back line could then use their skills to crack open the defensive line.
"They're a big, dominating pack and they have been for years and hopefully that will work against them in this game," White said. "We'll go with the enthusiasm and see what happens. Hopefully we can keep the ball in field and wear them out a bit."
Storm coach Craig Bellamy said his forward pack knew what to expect tonight but had stood up to all challenges all season, despite critics questioning their ability.
"I can't send them out in a suit of armour and I can't put any brick walls up for them to hide behind so they're just going to have to take it," Bellamy said. "But we'll be taking some and we'll be giving some, so that's just the way it is. They've done it all year, my young forwards, so they're not going to go and hide anywhere (tonight)."
There has been speculation that White was in doubt because of a shoulder injury he suffered last weekend. But Bellamy said the team was as per program and performance unit manager Mary Toomey confirmed that White would be fit to play despite the knock. Greg Inglis will wear a guard on the shoulder that he injured against the Dragons.
White said the team had settled into its routine after a week of increased media attention and a minor accident involving the team bus on Thursday.
"There was a lot of excitement early in the week, but I guess later in the week the reality of it all sets in and you go back into your normal week-in, week-out mode and all the excitement and all that has gone now," White said.
"It's time to get the job done and we're going there to do what we do week in and week out and as long as we think and worry about that I'm sure we're do all right (today)."
Webcke, who ends an illustrious career tonight, said the Broncos would need to be on their toes against the Storm.
Melbourne shut down St George Illawarra with a smothering defensive display last week, but Webcke said there was more to the Storm than just their tackling ability.
"You'd be foolhardy to try and pin them down to just that," Webcke said. "They score points from all over the place; they've got strike players in the team everywhere you look. If you look at big (Antonio) Kaufusi, he scores tries at will it seems at the moment. Where do you go for a soft option with them? They don't have one."
With AAP
