Olam is Storm’s NRL finals X-factor, says Addo-Carr

MELBOURNE Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr believes in-form centre Justin Olam, pictured, can prove a wildcard for his side during the upcoming finals series.
Papua New Guinea Kumul Olam has seven tries from just 10 matches for the Storm this season, with his hat-trick against the Sea Eagles on Saturday night helping the league leaders clinch the minor premiership with an impressive 36-6 triumph at Lottoland.
The recent rise to the top hasn’t come easily for the former SP Hunter, who played the first half of the season with the Sunshine Coast Falcons and only got a chance at the top level after a string of eye-catching performances in the Intrust Super Cup.
Addo-Carr has been impressed with what he has seen from the 25-year-old and thinks he will prove a vital weapon for the Storm during the post-season.
“He is getting better with every game,” Addo-Carr said of Olam at AAMI Park in Melbourne yesterday.
“He has spent most of his time in reserve grade but has earned his spot (at NRL level) playing good footy there.
“He has been playing outstanding footy, brings great energy to our side and I love playing with him.”
Olam and Addo-Carr arrived in Melbourne at the same time at the start of the 2017 season, but it’s only in recent weeks that their relationship has fully blossomed as the pair started playing alongside each other on the left-hand side of the Storm attack.
“He was one of the first boys I met when I first came down here and to see that he is thriving at the top level is something special for him and his people,” Addo-Carr said. “He has got an entire nation behind him and I am very proud of him as he has come a long way.”
While the Storm have already cemented the minor premiership and have little to play for on Friday night when they host the Cowboys, Addo-Carr said it was business as normal for the competition pacesetters on the eve of the finals series.
The star winger said it was important that the Storm approach the clash with the North Queensland side with the same vigour they showed against the Sea Eagles on the weekend.
“We need to build momentum on the back of the Manly game … and just be the best we can,” Addo-Carr said. “They are a dangerous side, they have got strong individuals and we have got to build a bit more confidence going into the finals.” – NRL