Melbourne Storm’s Disappointing Performance Against South Sydney Rabbitohs
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has delivered a scorching review of his team’s performance in their recent match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Anzac Day. The loss marked a significant setback for the Storm, who now sit at a two and six record to start the season after failing to make an impact against the Rabbitohs. The Rabbitohs secured a commanding 48-6 victory at AAMI Park, showcasing their dominance throughout the entire contest.
This win was particularly notable as it marked the Rabbitohs’ first ever victory at AAMI Park since its opening in 2010. Prior to this match, the Rabbitohs had a 20-game losing streak at the venue, making this result a historic one for the club.
Bellamy described the performance as “embarrassing,” offering a harsh critique of the Storm’s effort. In his post-match press conference, he admitted that this loss hurt more than any other this year. “It does [hurt], probably the most embarrassed I’ve ever been in my footy life to be quite honest,” Bellamy said.
He acknowledged that there were issues both on and off the field, stating, “There’s obviously a few things the off-field staff is doing wrong and I’m included in that so obviously I’m not doing my job as well as I should be.” However, he emphasized that the lack of effort from the players on the field was unacceptable, especially on Anzac Day.
Changes Are Coming
Bellamy has already indicated that changes will be made to the team as they look to regain their form. “Tonight was a standout from our other losses to be quite honest,” he added. “I’ve stuck with basically the same side the last six weeks, I think it’s time to make some changes.”
While the Storm lacks depth in terms of first-grade experience, Bellamy remains confident that they can find players willing to step up and make an impact. “We haven’t got a whole heap of depth there with first grade experience but we’ll find a couple of guys that want to go out there and have a go.”
Player Perspective
Storm captain Harry Grant provided further insight into the team’s struggles during the match. Speaking with Fox League after the game, Grant revealed how frustrated Bellamy was with the side at half-time, when they trailed 24-0. He noted that errors and poor discipline allowed the Rabbitohs to capitalize easily.
“We were completing at 55 or 60 per cent and they were completing really high and making it difficult for us,” Grant said. “He was upset with our half, and challenged us that we’re the ones out there, go out and do it. Really disappointed we didn’t respond well to that, we created a few opportunities and are just not icing them at the moment.”
Despite the loss, Grant quickly defended his coach when asked whether Bellamy still had the support of the players. “Yes he does, that’s a silly question, you don’t need to ask him that,” Grant interjected. “He’s a modest guy and probably going to look to himself with these results but at the end of the day, no one works harder than Craig. You come into the club every morning and he’s here working.”
Looking Ahead
This loss marks the Storm’s worst losing streak since 2002, with six consecutive games without a win. They now face an uphill battle to keep their season alive, and despite only being one quarter into the competition, they need to turn things around quickly if they are to have any chance of making the Top 8 by September.
The Storm will travel to Brisbane to face the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. With pressure mounting, the team must regroup and show significant improvement in their next match.
