The Storm defence has received much praise so far this season and deservedly so.
Craig Bellamy’s side is conceding just 11.3 points per game, the fewest of any other side in the NRL.
However their work with the football has been equally as impressive despite not capturing the same headlines.
Melbourne have scored more than 30 points in five of their 16 games this season, at a rate of just under 25 points per game.
This makes the current side the most potent Storm attack since 2007.
Be at AAMI Park when we take on the Roosters, Saturday 23 July, 7:30pm.
Storm have scored 69 tries so far this season, tied for most in the competition alongside the Cowboys and Raiders.
Prior to the season the Storm playing group spoke about playing a more ‘ad-lib’ style of football, a concept developed as a way to open up the game at the attacking end.
After 16 games, that adjustment appears to be paying dividends.
Rookie sensation Suliasi Vunivalu has a big part of that.
The 20-year-old has been a revelation on the wing since making his debut in Round 7, scoring 16 tries in 10 games to lead the NRL’s try scoring.
Cooper Cronk has also crossed the chalk on nine occasions, almost doubling his 2015 tally.
Cronk has also combined with skipper Cameron Smith for 25 try assists this season.
Melbourne’s supreme ball handling has been a key factor behind their attack. The men in purple have committed the fewest errors of any team in the NRL.
There is no doubt the Storm defence has played a big role in the side’s success up the other end of the field.
So as the purple wall continues to take the headlines, the attack will look to keep making sure the hard work does not go unrewarded.
