Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns has predicted the Storm “have another gear to go” after an emphatic 46-16 win over the Eels.
Harry Grant, Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster were the difference for the Storm, combining for four tries.
Johns believes there’s more to come with the Storm currently sitting in fourth.
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“I thought they played really well, the Storm. I think they have another gear to go. Once they get in the semis they will go up a gear,” he said on Nine’s coverage.
“In the end, the difference was Munster, Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes but the workers around them, they did the job … but I think they have another gear to go, Melbourne.”
With Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Reimis Smith, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Tariq Sims all out for the Storm – either through injury or suspension – the side will receive several re-enforcements in the coming weeks. Star centre Justin Olam was also dropped in the lead up to Friday night’s match.
NRL premiership winner Paul Gallen believes with those additions, they’ll be a “different side”.
“If they get those players back, it is a different side. You throw those players into the side, they find another gear,” he told Nine.
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“The side they played tonight, you throw the other guys back in the side, big Nelson has a bit of X Factor on that right edge. And they do it every year. We’re waiting for them to fall over. Year in, year out, they keep producing.”
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The Eels started strong with Sean Russell scoring in the corner, performing a miracle finish, but from there it was all the Storm.
Harry Grant’s double and Jahrome Hughes’ four-pointer gave their side three unanswered tries before J’maine Hopgood stopped the streak to go over for the Eels in the 32nd minute.
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Right on half time, Hughes was involved again, putting Eliesa Katoa over to give the Storm a 24-10 lead at the break.
Melbourne continued the party when Josh King scored first in the second half before Marion Seve went over in the 59th minute to make it 34-10.
Eels forward Luca Moretti gave his side a chance moments later when he went in under the posts but tries to Munster and Will Warbrick sealed the victory for Melbourne.
Next week, Melbourne will play the Panthers on Friday while the Eels face the Dragons on Sunday.
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