Storm win tough clash

PAPUA New Guinea international and Storm centre Justin Olam described Saturday night’s 20-14 National Rugby League win over Gold Coast as their toughest match so far this year.Missing five of their Origin stars in Cameron Munster, Felise Kaufusi, Christian Welch, Harry Grant and Josh Addo-Carr, Melbourne were made to work for their 11th win of the season on the Sunshine Coast.The second-placed Storm, boasting the best attack and second-best defence in the league, were also without 2020 Clive Churchill medallist Ryan Papenhuyzen who was still out with concussion. Leading the attack for coach Craig Bellamy’s makeshift side, New Zealand international Jahrome Hughes was the only regular member of the Storm spine available for the round-13 clash. Injuries and Origin also forced Titans coach Justin Holbrook into a number of changes, but the visitors shrugged off a slow start to dominate the Storm after the break — only to be let down by poor execution.“It was the hardest game of the year so far, but the boys put in a lot off effort (to get the win),” Olam told Storm TV after the match at Sunshine Coast Stadium.“We need games like this to give us a lot of confidence. It was a good game.”The former Lae Snax Tiger and SP Hunter partnered stand-in winger Dean Ieremia, who yesterday extended his contract with the Storm until the end of next season, on Melbourne’s left edge.“Come Origin time, we always have players out,” Olam said.“But the good thing about our reserves is they’re always ready.“The ‘next man up’ mentality is a big strength of our side, so everyone is always prepared.“Dean has been playing really well. “He is an aggressive kid and he gives it 100 per cent every time, so it’s good to play with him.”Melbourne, who have lost just twice since the start of the season, next play the ninth-placed New Zealand Warriors in round 14 at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford on Sunday (2pm kick-off).