Melbourne’s playmakers went to a new level against Parramatta but say taking on the NRL’s best halves combination at the Sydney Roosters is a huge step up.
The Roosters boast the most dangerous duo in the competition in Cooper Cronk and Luke Keary, with Melbourne fielding Cameron Munster and fullback-turned-halfback Jahrome Hughes in Saturday’s preliminary final at the SCG.
The Storm blamed poor communication amongst the backline for their misfiring attack in their shock qualifying final loss to Canberra which led them to an early showdown with the Roosters rather than a grand-final replay next week.
Skipper Cameron Smith said he was happy with their improvements in their emphatic win over the Eels to advance to the final four.
“Cameron, Jahrome and myself, we were disappointed with our contribution to the team versus Canberra and we knew we needed to be better,” Smith said.
“That was the area that we let ourselves down – we had plenty of opportunities but we just didn’t capitalise on them because of the lack of communication.
“Those guys were really good on the weekend and they were very clear with their communication to the entire team about what was happening with attack.
“It’s another step up now playing against the Roosters, who have got a very good defensive side and they’re not going to give up too many opportunities so when you get them you need to make the most the most of them.”
Munster admitted he and Hughes, who took over from dumped No.7 Brodie Croft in round 24, were still a work in progress.
Hughes readily admits he’s not a natural communicator like Croft, who was a constant voice as he organised the troops.
Munster said while the pair had been training well, the Eels match was their best game-day showing.
But he felt they would be truly tested by his former Storm teammate and good friend Cronk and his Kangaroos five-eighth rival Luke Keary.
“They’re the form halves at the moment,” Munster said.
“Keary is playing with a lot of confidence and Cooper is the ultimate professional.
“I’m sure he (Cronk) will try to get the wood over the Storm again; he’s a very competitive person and I know what he brings to the team.”