Storm ‘won’t take a backward step’ in Sharks showdown
Melissa Woods |
Melbourne are backing their own enforcer Stefano Utoikamanu to go toe-to-toe with Cronulla pack leader Addin Fonua-Blake, the spicy rivalry between the teams set to continue with a NRL grand-final berth beckoning.
The Storm host the Sharks at AAMI Park in a preliminary final on Friday night with no love lost between them with a bitter history dating back to 2008.
Then, Melbourne’s Brett White knocked out his opposite Ben Ross, who had elbowed halfback Cooper Cronk in the jaw – both props handed long suspensions.
It ramped up again in 2016 with warring State of Origin and club skippers Cameron Smith and Paul Gallen setting the tone; the Sharks having the last laugh with a two-point win in the grand final.
In 2021, Smith was sent to the sin-bin for the first time in his career for back-chatting the referee, much to the delight of the Cronulla faithful at Shark Park.
Storm lock Trent Loiero said his team wouldn’t be taking a backward step in the latest battle on their home turf, where Melbourne squared this season’s head-to-head ledger with a 30-6 victory in round 17.
Cronulla savoured a five-point victory at Shark Park in round 11 despite a hat-trick by Melbourne winger Xavier Coates.
“There’s a bit of tension there and been a bit of a rivalry there for the past few years, so, yeah, I’m looking forward to it,” Queensland Origin forward Loiero said.
“If it does get a bit fiery, we’ll be ready for that and we won’t be taking a backward step.”
Fonua-Blake and Utoikamanu are both new additions to their respective clubs so are new to the rivalry, but the Sharks gun has bought in, declaring this week he was prepared to “put his balls on the line”.
Loiero said they would need to contain the Tongan international.
“Their forward pack is their strength, and Addin Fonua-Blake he’s their big dog and looks to lead them around the field, so we’re going to need to do a good job on him, come Friday night.
“He leads their pack and their team, with the physicality and aggression.”
But Loiero said 25-year-old NSW Origin forward Utoikamanu offered similar attributes.
“He’s been a great addition to our forward pack and our team and a bit like Addin, he leads our aggression, he’s a bit of our enforcer.
“He’s come to life in the back end of the year once he sort of learned our systems and found his feet … he’s been massive for us and I can’t wait to see what he does on Friday night.
“You always feel confident when you run out alongside big Stef.”
Front-rower Josh King said the growth of Utoikamanu, who arrived at Melbourne after making his debut with Parramatta and spending four seasons with Wests Tigers, had become even more valuable in the absence of suspended big man Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
The team has dubbed their recruit “Chef” following the lead of NBA great Stef Curry.
“Chef has been outstanding for us this year, he’s brought a lot of impact to our starting forward rotation and you see what he does, breaking tackles, he really leads from the front with his actions so he’s been great to have alongside me this year,” veteran King said.
“You look at Nelson and the impact he brings, and being able to break tackles and add a real amount of punch through the middle and I think Chef brings that as well.
“His ability to be able to break tackles and bump people off is second to none, and I’m glad he’s on my team.”
AAP
