Bellamy's Finals Week 1 rundown

Catch all the best bits from Craig Bellamy's chat with the media ahead of Storm's Qualifying Finals clash against the Broncos.

Preparing to face the Broncos again 

“We got through training okay, so guys they’re guys that have trained all week and they're right to go. I'm not quite sure exactly what we named you know, you got named 22 sometimes you're not quite sure really in the week, but we’ve come through today okay, so hopefully they'll stay that way.” 

“I don’t know about best prepared, but certainly the form [the Broncos] displayed this year is probably the best Broncos side for I don’t know how long.“ 

“They finished second, very close to being minor premiers. That's not easy to do.”  

Centre selection 

“It wasn't easy, but we just thought Young [Tonumaipea] and [Marion Seve] and Reimis [Smith] they've been playing good footy the last you know five or six weeks, so we decided to stick with them. They've added plenty of energy to the team. So, I’d say they've done a good job for us, so we'll leave them there.” 

Ryan Papenhuyzen’s continued return 

“I think he adds a bit of confidence to the rest of the team and especially our senior players. He's a senior player, he's one of our leaders and to have him come off the bench.” 

“Everyone just thinks of his pace, which is a great quality, but he knows the game really well.” 

“He's played in a few positions in the last six weeks in Queensland Cup and in the NRL.” 

“We just think he'll give the team plenty of energy when he comes on, but give the team plenty of know-how too so we're looking forward to seeing what you can do for us.” 

“We'll be sticking to what works for us, we'll be sticking to our strengths and Ryan understands what those are, and he understands what those strengths are for him and his game.” 

“He'll know what needs doing and hopefully he can make a little difference.” 

“The two games he's played with us, he hasn't looked out of place without a doubt. This is another step up, another test – It’s Finals.” 

“The pace of the game, it will certainly go up and we'll find out a little bit more about his recovery again.”  

Why has Storm sustained success over the Broncos? 

“With all due respect, the team has changed. Our team has changed a fair bit since [2009], I don't there's anyone still playing.” 

“The only thing I could come up with...every time we've played them, and we've managed to score more points than them, so other than that, I'm not quite sure.” 

“At the end of the day, for me, it's another game. What happened last week ain’t coming over to tomorrow night. What happened 10 years ago ain't going to matter tomorrow night.” 

“It's a nice record to have, I suppose, but at the end of the day, it's a different game tomorrow and we take confidence through what we can do and confidence in how we're prepared.” 

Nick Meaney’s versatility 

“Nick [Meaney], who's been playing that position basically all year and he's proven before that he can play centre, winger, he can play in the halves – he's done that for us. He'd probably play dummy half if we wanted him to.” 

“He's had such a good year and the guys around him have had such a good year.” 

“With our combinations, we didn't want to break those up.” 

Broncos and Penrith’s consistent seasons 

“I think the Broncos and Penrith, they've been the standout teams and they have finished well on top. They've been the two consistent teams.” 

“There's always some ups and downs for every team, but the downs have been less for the Broncos and Penrith.” 

“I'm a big believer in what happens during the year usually comes out at the end of the season.” 

“All I'm saying is they have been the standout teams because you know they've finished where they finish.” 

How will Storm stop Reece Walsh?

“I think that that question was asked of the opposition gates just going back when Billy was playing.” 

“I don't know whether I've seen a quicker play than Reece. Billy was unbelievable at changing pace and changing direction and being really quick, but just that straight line pace. Yeah, I haven't seen too many guys quicker than this bloke.” 

“Obviously we we've got a little plan there we're hoping to put into action.” 

“He's a very dangerous player and he's a huge benefit for the Broncos.”