Cooper Cronk says the Storm cannot rest content with its current form. Photo: Getty Images
Melbourne Storm must improve and build if it wants its slick NRL season start to reach the heights of the nine-match winning streak which opened 2012, according to playmaker Cooper Cronk.
The half-back admits his side's flying start gives it an ideal opportunity to have another winning season. But with long-time nemesis Brisbane looming at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, Cronk says the premiers have improvement to make and must make it to see off the Broncos.
''We are in a good position … It's a strength of this football club to get off to a good start, but we don't rest on our laurels,'' he said.
''We'll continue to improve and work on the areas we need to. The [early-season] results are crucial. Obviously it sets up your position on the table and your run into the finals.
''But I think the main thing for us as a team is our performance at the start of the year.''
Melbourne's three-from-three start to 2013, including last week's grand final rematch win over Canterbury, has it on top of the ladder with South Sydney.
The Broncos have started with just one win in their opening three matches, but a club rivalry Cronk says is built on respect has Melbourne wary.
''There's a Queensland flavour to the Melbourne team,'' he said. ''A lot of friends and family turn up to Suncorp Stadium. [They're a] great club Brisbane - they've been very successful for a long period of time and we love playing them.''
But Cronk, who kicked the match-winning field goal the last time the teams met at Suncorp Stadium, is confident the Storm will handle the occasion.
''That's one thing this football club does well; we're prepared for most occasions that get thrown at us on a football field,'' he said.
''When the time comes, we don't get starstruck or caught up. We just kick into auto-pilot and get the job done.''
AAP
No comments:
Post a Comment