The Storm is on the verge of hitting a 14-year low if they can’t secure a crucial victory against the Raiders this Friday night. Skipper Harry Grant has responded to claims that the team is all style and no substance.
After topping the ladder following Round 2, last year’s grand finalists have suffered four consecutive losses, plummeting to 13th place.
If they experience a fifth straight defeat, it would mark their longest losing streak since 2012, a year in which they somehow went on to clinch the title.
It’s no surprise that these alarming statistics have raised concerns for coach Craig Bellamy.
Initially sitting at a +74 on for-and-against after Round 2, the Storm now stands at just +2. Over the last four matches, they have conceded 134 points while scoring a mere 62, resulting in a grim for-and-against of -72. Only the Eels have conceded more points (142) in that timeframe, despite scoring 80 for a slightly better differential (-62).
Storm captain Harry Grant. Getty
This troubling form has prompted various experts to effectively pronounce the Storm’s chances of challenging for the premiership as over.
“We’re not performing at the level we need to, and our application on the field has been lacking,” Grant commented during a media briefing on Tuesday.
“While we’ve been preparing diligently for our games, the solutions are within the team and coaching staff. It’s ultimately up to us to translate that into strong performances at the weekend.”
Grant cited the Bulldogs’ unexpected win against the Panthers, who were also struggling, as proof that fortunes can change rapidly. He mentioned that the team plans to disregard the “external noise.”
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“The narrative changes week by week,” he noted.
“Just a couple of weeks back, many had written the Bulldogs off, but their recent performance has them back in the mix.
“Therefore, it’s crucial to block out the outside noise. We have all the answers within our squad and coaching staff, but we need to implement them effectively.
“People are entitled to their opinions, but we don’t let that influence us too much.”
Coach Craig Bellamy acknowledged that the side may benefit from some changes following their defeat to the Warriors, yet he has opted against making sweeping alterations for the clash against the Raiders.
Only one adjustment was made to the starting line-up announced on Tuesday, with winger Moses Leo replaced by rookie Manaia Waitere.
Despite being substituted just 10 minutes into the second half and receiving a significant critique from Bellamy during halftime, Joe Chan remains in the starting side.
Grant expressed sympathy for the 24-year-old after the harsh treatment and expressed confidence in Chan’s ability to regain his form.
However, he conceded that relying solely on Chan’s return to form wouldn’t resolve the Storm’s ongoing issues.
Joe Chan received a stern talk from Craig Bellamy at halftime during the match against the Warriors. Fox League
“We all experience tough times as players – we just need Joey to be at his best,” he said.
“When he showcases his strengths, he’s a valuable asset to our team.
“It’s vital that he returns to form this week and prepares diligently. While it’s easy to point to one player, success relies on the entire 30-man squad.”
The Storm will face the Raiders in the opening match of Friday night, kicking off at 6pm AEST.
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