If there is one team that the Storm have a bogey run against, it is the Canberra Raiders – with the club based in the nations capital defeating the Storm two years running at AAMI Park, in a contest that a lopsided contest.
It was the Raiders who ran away with the match, winning 40-12 – with Edrick Lee bagging a hat-trick and new recruit Sandor Earl scoring a double – with the Storm missing Billy Slater and Cameron Smith.
Despite that, nothing can be taken away from the Raiders team, who simply overpowered the weakened Storm side, in a ominous signs that they will not go unnoticed in the battle for the final positions in the top 8.
Despite the Origin period, which is not usually this physically demanding on the Storm’s players, coach Craig Bellamy threatened changes were imminent, following the abysmal display in defence.
“Some of our defence was downright embarrassing tonight,” Bellamy said.
“Tonight I couldn’t say that (the Origin period was to blame) at all … I can’t really explain why we defended like we defended out there tonight.
“I’m pretty sure there’ll be some changes.”
The loss means that whilst Melbourne remain top of the NRL, their lead is now cut to just 2 points, with the Dogs breathing down their necks.
The win was much needed for the Raiders, who have had a turbulent, inconsistent season – though they now have back-to-back wins, but despite the win, Furner knows that consistency and hard work is the key for his side.
“It’s about having that consistent team week-in, week-out … we needed to focus on the areas we needed to focus on, and that’s all we can do,” Furner said.