The Storm is on the verge of hitting a 14-year low if they fail to secure a crucial victory against the Raiders on Friday evening. However, captain Harry Grant has responded to claims that the team lacks substance.
After topping the ladder following round two, last year’s grand finalists have endured a disappointing four consecutive losses, dropping to 13th place.
A fifth defeat in a row would represent their worst losing streak since 2012, although that season they ultimately triumphed in the competition.
Nonetheless, the statistics from this recent downturn are likely to concern coach Craig Bellamy.
Initially boasting a points differential of +74 after round two, the Storm now stands at just +2. Over their last four matches, they have conceded 134 points while managing to score only 62, resulting in a staggering points differential of -72. Only the Eels have allowed more points in that same stretch (142) while scoring 80 points, slightly bettering their differential at -62.
Captain Harry Grant of the Storm. Getty
This alarming run of poor form has prompted several well-known experts to all but declare the Storm’s chances of clinching the premiership as diminished.
“There is a standard we need to meet, and at the moment, we’re not living up to that with our on-field performance,” Grant stated during a media briefing on Tuesday.
“Our preparation for games has been solid, and we have the solutions within the team and coaching staff; it’s now down to us to translate that into weekend performances.”
He cited the surprising victory by the Bulldogs over the Panthers, who were also struggling, as proof of how quickly fortunes can shift. Grant emphasised the importance of disregarding “external chatter.”
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“Everyone changes their narrative from week to week,” he commented.
“A couple of weeks ago, they had written off the Bulldogs, but after their last match, they’re back in the conversation.
“It’s vital that we block out all the noise from the outside. We have the answers right here in the club within the playing group and coaching staff; we just need to apply them.”
“People are entitled to their opinions, but they don’t impact us significantly.”
Coach Craig Bellamy acknowledged that the team might require a “bit of a shake-up” following the loss to the Warriors, yet he has refrained from making drastic alterations for the upcoming game against the Raiders.
The only adjustment to the starting lineup announced on Tuesday was the replacement of winger Moses Leo with rookie Manaia Waitere.
Joe Chan, who was removed from the field just 10 minutes into the second half and received a stern talking-to from Bellamy at halftime, retains his position in the starting lineup.
Grant expressed empathy for Chan’s situation and backed his ability to return to form.
However, he acknowledged that relying solely on Chan’s improvement won’t be the magic fix the Storm needs to regain their usual dominance.
Joe Chan received a strong rebuke from Craig Bellamy at halftime during the game against the Warriors. Fox League
“Everyone has had similar experiences at one point during their playing career – we just need Joey to be at his best,” he remarked.
“When he brings his strengths to the game, he becomes a great asset for the team.
“It’s essential for him to find that level this week and prepare adequately. While one player can be highlighted, it’s not about just one player. It’s about the entire squad of 30, and that’s what truly matters.”
The Storm and Raiders will go head-to-head in the early match-up on Friday, kicking off at 6pm AEST.
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