Storm prop Josh King has indicated several stars will return this week as the premiership favourites look to brush off last week’s humbling loss to the Roosters with a win leading into the finals.
Melbourne rested King, Xavier Coates, Eli Katoa and others but defended stoutly in Craig Bellamy’s 600th game in charge to hold a 10-0 halftime lead against the desperate Roosters.
But things fell away in the second half as the visitors raced in 40 unanswered points, with Canberra’s win the following day ending the minor premiership race.
Bellamy was filthy after the match and described his side’s effort “as soft as butter”, which suggests the Broncos could cop their full wrath as Brisbane tries to clinch fourth spot.
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“The weekend didn’t go as we would have liked, but we spoke about how that one game doesn’t define our season,” King said.
“We haven’t lost anything and you don’t lose how you like to play or the way you’ve been playing for the last 25 rounds.
“It’s just about refocusing and tidying up a few areas. It’s something as a leadership group that we want to drive this week and bring a lot of energy around that.
“Forget last week and let’s move onto this week.”
King is set to return for his 100th Storm game on Thursday night and could be joined by some of his teammates who were rested last week, while superstar halfback Jahrome Hughes is a strong chance of being named after recovering from a shoulder injury.
The leaders all agreed it was the right thing to have the game off in round 26 and then build into the finals this week, with the Storm looking to produce a better performance in King’s milestone match.
The prop has been outstanding in his four seasons at the club since joining from the Knights and says his mind is feeling refreshed after last week’s timely break.
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“The body is good, the body has held up really well throughout the year with no real niggles or anything,” he said.
“I think the mental rest you get from having the week off (was huge). We put a lot of time and mental pressure to prepare each week for a game.
“Going into a game, without even thinking it, you’re always a bit stressed making sure that your prep’s right with your food, your sleep and your training.
“To be able to switch off for the week and not have to worry about that (was great) but I’m excited to get back into it this week.”
